Barbell rows vs. Pullups

[SRP]

I was just thinking about the comment in the Blog that barbell rows are considered one of the top back exercises. So many people in Catheland have touted the benefits of pullups, and I know they're also going to be featured in STS.

Can someone compare the two for me? Do they work different areas of the back, etc. Thanks!!

 

[SirenSongWoman]

All I know is that, at 170+ pounds, pullups would be a WHOLE lot harder for me...

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi Shannon-

While I'm not Cathe, Here's my .02:

Pullups work more of the upper part of the back as well as incorporating other muscles of your upper body.. shoulders, bis and some tricep work. Its still considered a top exercise for back but you get lots of bonus work with them too ( including some core work!)

Rows work more on your central back and are much more concentrated in focusing on just the back. You also won't incorporate as many other muscles in your upper body as you do in a pullup.

For me, I always like to put both in my back routines. They are a good complement to one another as that you'll leave no muscle unworked!

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[SRP]

Lynn - thanks a lot for the info!

 

[kathryn]

Old-school weight lifting used to claim that pull-ups and pull-downs work the width of the lats, while rows work the thickness of the lats. I don't know if that holds up or not.