Barbell row vs hammer strength for building mass

[Mac11wildcat]

I'm curious to get some outside input on this. We all know barbell rows, pull ups and deadlifts are the main exercises associated with building a big back.

However, I never really "feel" barbell rows. I've tried various angles, grip with, tempo, weight, reps etc and I just don't feel nearly the same level of contraction I do if I were to use a hammer strength machine. Even just moving the bar or 95lbs I don't feel a big contraction. Pull ups, cable rows, pull downs and hammer strength machines all give me a very clear stretch and contraction.

I'm conflicted because we're always taught that to build a big, thick back.... Barbell rows are a must and using machines will not do as much. This I understand, however if using a hammer strength machine that's a relatively similar movement pattern gives me a far greater contraction and pump... Well logically to me that says I should grow more with the hammer strength.

I'm following Dorian Yates training and I'm loving it. I feel I get alot out of almost every exercise except barbell rows it just... Not so much. I know the barbell row is largely for upper back development.

BB rows are valuable but if you can’t feel it scrap it for a while. Do some Smith Machine Yates rows for a while. Some dB rows with correct form (pull back to hip not up) Some pullovers. Maybe some Kroc Rows. Then go back to barbell rows and play with the grip. Try the cambered bar, straight bar, try sliding the fabric cable handles around the barbell to allow to grip change. Heavy compound movements are king, but your body doesn’t know the difference if the tensions the same (it’s just that usually machines don’t stimulate the same amount of tissue as free weight).

 

[CAswole]

BB rows are valuable but if you can’t feel it scrap it for a while. Do some Smith Machine Yates rows for a while. Some dB rows with correct form (pull back to hip not up) Some pullovers. Maybe some Kroc Rows. Then go back to barbell rows and play with the grip. Try the cambered bar, straight bar, try sliding the fabric cable handles around the barbell to allow to grip change. Heavy compound movements are king, but your body doesn’t know the difference if the tensions the same (it’s just that usually machines don’t stimulate the same amount of tissue as free weight).

That u in your avi big guy?

 

[Mac11wildcat]

That u in your avi big guy?

It is indeed me.

 

[BigNattyDaddy]

Stick with the machines if you feel like you get more out of it. I switch between the machines and barbells.

 

[CAswole]

It is indeed me.

Good shit man. Nice work. U compete? Pro?

 

[Mac11wildcat]

Good shit man. Nice work. U compete? Pro?

Much appreciated!

Do compete. Not pro. I started a thread in the BB section to cover my offseason and prep into next years string of national shows if you’re interested. Definitely working for a pro card in 2019. We shall see what it brings.

 

[CAswole]

Much appreciated!

Do compete. Not pro. I started a thread in the BB section to cover my offseason and prep into next years string of national shows if you’re interested. Definitely working for a pro card in 2019. We shall see what it brings.

Excellent, I'll check it out. Best of luck to you brother you seem to be coming along really well. Sure you'll make it there soon enough.

 

[Methyl Mike]

I'm curious to get some outside input on this. We all know barbell rows, pull ups and deadlifts are the main exercises associated with building a big back.

However, I never really "feel" barbell rows. I've tried various angles, grip with, tempo, weight, reps etc and I just don't feel nearly the same level of contraction I do if I were to use a hammer strength machine. Even just moving the bar or 95lbs I don't feel a big contraction. Pull ups, cable rows, pull downs and hammer strength machines all give me a very clear stretch and contraction.

I'm conflicted because we're always taught that to build a big, thick back.... Barbell rows are a must and using machines will not do as much. This I understand, however if using a hammer strength machine that's a relatively similar movement pattern gives me a far greater contraction and pump... Well logically to me that says I should grow more with the hammer strength.

I'm following Dorian Yates training and I'm loving it. I feel I get alot out of almost every exercise except barbell rows it just... Not so much. I know the barbell row is largely for upper back development.

Barbell rows can be done a number of ways and it takes time to develop certain muscles to the point you can really squeeze and stretch them with a heavy barbell. Even now after 25 years if I take a month off training when I get back to it my poundage drops for a few workouts while I redevelop everything and get my coordination back. Good rowing requires a good connection to your back and equally important the rest of your body has to support and keep sync.

 

[Methyl Mike]

I love the hammer strength chest supported row, I actually stand up with one foot in, lean in to press my chest against the support and do them one side at a time. I agree it’s hard to get a good squeeze with barbell rows unless I drop the weight too low. The hammer machine, Meadows row and one armed dB rows are my go to rows currently.

You dont have to feel strong contractions for bb rows to work. Heavy weight and good form get the job done. DOMS will show you whats doing what.

 

[Fattyone]

I know this is an old thread, but as a longtime firm believer in BB rows, I was blow away (by the feeelz) of bent over rows in the smith machine. I haven’t been doing them long enough in a surplus to comment on their effectiveness, but I’ve never had my lats get lit up so hard.

 

[Methyl Mike]

I know this is an old thread, but as a longtime firm believer in BB rows, I was blow away (by the feeelz) of bent over rows in the smith machine. I haven’t been doing them long enough in a surplus to comment on their effectiveness, but I’ve never had my lats get lit up so hard.

View: https://youtu.be/1spNYvdzBI8