Rows stronger than bench?

[kitarpyar]

Usually, lifting raw, one can deadlift more than squat, squat more than bench, bench more than press.

Where would the barbell rows fall for most in this sequence? Stronger than bench / weaker than bench?

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by kitarpyar

Usually, lifting raw, one can deadlift more than squat, squat more than bench, bench more than press.

Where would the barbell rows fall for most in this sequence? Stronger than bench / weaker than bench?

It would depend to an extent on the row being used - with seated rows and T-bar rows, for example, the lifter can brace themselves and pull more weight than if free standing.

But considering the lats are large muscles, larger than pecs (from my limited knowledge on the subject), they should theoretically be able to move more.

[kitarpyar]

Originally Posted by Abaddon

It would depend to an extent on the row being used - with seated rows and T-bar rows, for example, the lifter can brace themselves and pull more weight than if free standing.

But considering the lats are large muscles, larger than pecs (from my limited knowledge on the subject), they should theoretically be able to move more.

I am referring specifically to bent-over barbell rows that are free standing. Was just curious. With me at least, whatever you said seems about right, I can row more than I can bench.

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by kitarpyar

I am referring specifically to bent-over barbell rows that are free standing. Was just curious. With me at least, whatever you said seems about right, I can row more than I can bench.

I think it's one of those things where they probably should be about equal but depending on style of performance and focus the Bench can obtain much larger numbers. The Bench isn't just about the chest/arms/shoulders many other muscles come into play, it's really a whole body lift for some people.

The Bench typically responds well to a lot of volume, the rows will go up with just about anything. So early on that causes the relationship to be about equal or the rows to be ahead. But when you put in the volume required then the Bench should shoot up.

Also you have exercise performance; If you perform both strictly in the 'bodybuilding' sense, then I can see them being equal but as soon as you start to specialise on bench, use an arch etc then things will change and the Bench numbers should rise.

[austin.j.taylor]

Bicep strength and momentum used are a huge factor in this as well. I do my rows very slow and with no momentum. I bench somewhere around 300 and row 135 for sets of 8. If i were to use body english and some momentum, I bet I could row my bench, but thats not what I am looking for out of that movement.

[Soldier]

Originally Posted by austin.j.taylor

Bicep strength and momentum used are a huge factor in this as well. I do my rows very slow and with no momentum. I bench somewhere around 300 and row 135 for sets of 8. If i were to use body english and some momentum, I bet I could row my bench, but thats not what I am looking for out of that movement.

Exactly. The row isn't a good way of comparing strength with someone else because everyone does it so differently. I know I certainly use a little extra movement on the barbell version, and though that helps me move more weight, it also helps me hit the muscle by moving explosively.

As for comparing the row to other lifts, I think it certainly should be right there with the bench, but it hardly ever is because people don't work their backs enough. I used to hate barbell rows because I couldn't lift anything, but I did them anyways and have become much stronger for it.

I've never found my 1rm on barbell row, but it should be at least 225, while my bench max is 285. I wish they were the same, but when I started doing barbell rows a little over a year ago I had trouble repping out with 135.

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by austin.j.taylor

Bicep strength and momentum used are a huge factor in this as well. I do my rows very slow and with no momentum. I bench somewhere around 300 and row 135 for sets of 8. If i were to use body english and some momentum, I bet I could row my bench, but thats not what I am looking for out of that movement.

I love the way I have to do my rows for the same reason. NO momentum used pure muscle used strength.

[Shadowschmadow]

I personally cannot row nearly as much as I can bench. Even when both of those lifts were done when I was at my peak performance. However, in all fairness, I have not training rows nearly as long or as frequently as bench. However, that is undergoing change immediately.

[BendtheBar]

I do rather strict Pendlay rows, meaning I don't do they nearly standing up rows that have become popular (no offense meant), and my PR is 365 x 5. My gym bench PR is around 380ish. So I would say my rows are at least 25 pounds stronger.

Regarding the importance of rows...I am of the opinion that heavy rowing is one of the keys to my improved deadlift lockout strength.

[Shadowschmadow]

Strong rows big guy. I have adapted Pendlay Rows as my exercise of choice.