Regular BB row or pendlay rows?

[Kuytrider]

I am trying to build up strength and am currently on Madcow. I have made some progress with the 'standard' Barbell rows but I was wondering if I would be better served going with the Pendlay rows off the floor?

[BigJosh]

I've done madcow twice. I am actually currently on my second run.
Both times I have done Pendlay rows. It just seems to me Pendlay rows are better suited for strength training. Don't ask me to explain how or why, it's just one of those conclusions my simple mind has came to.
At the very least you might consider giving pendlay rows a shot when ever you reset. Just to get the experience of doing them. From there you can make an actual educated choice on which serves you better for strength training.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Kuytrider

I am trying to build up strength and am currently on Madcow. I have made some progress with the 'standard' Barbell rows but I was wondering if I would be better served going with the Pendlay rows off the floor?

I prefer Pendlays. They allow me to take the pressure off the lower back for a split second each rep. A lot of heavy barbell rows tax the lower back and the guys tend to start standing upright to handle the weight. The more upright style of row just doesn't hit my back the same. I can use more weight on them, but they feel more like a semi-power shrug.

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

A lot of heavy barbell rows tax the lower back and the guys tend to start standing upright to handle the weight. The more upright style of row just doesn't hit my back the same..

I agree with this. I've experienced the same thing.

[Fazc]

In terms of quantifying each rep I prefer Pendlays as well. You need to be able to measure accurately your progress from session to session.

At least you know if you start with the bar on the floor and end with it touching your chest and then back to the floor you have done 1 rep.

With barbell rows you get the awkward situation of how much more upright you get as the set goes on, so if you stand more upright on the last few reps do you really count them are you really progressing? Blah blah. Just start from the floor so you know where you are.

[Pull14]

Originally Posted by Kuytrider

I am trying to build up strength and am currently on Madcow. I have made some progress with the 'standard' Barbell rows but I was wondering if I would be better served going with the Pendlay rows off the floor?

I've used both, like both, but as the others have mentioned, go with the Pendlay rows simply because its easier to keep each rep consistent with the next.

[Kuytrider]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have an unanimous decision
Today is row day so I will try them out for size. Obviously, I will have to drop weight but that's not really an issue.
Thanks for the advice

[Shadowschmadow]

Read/watch:
Pendlay Rows Technique
How to Do The Pendlay Row with Correct Technique | StrongLifts.com

Keep the lift explosive. Yank that f*cking bar off the ground, but keep your chest and head up.

[Kuytrider]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Read/watch:
Pendlay Rows Technique
How to Do The Pendlay Row with Correct Technique | StrongLifts.com

Keep the lift explosive. Yank that f*cking bar off the ground, but keep your chest and head up.

Before I even came back to this thread, that is the exact video I watched

Biggest problem I had today was the fact that the barbell on the floor was too low for me to reach and keep the proper position. I placed the bar on some plates to overcome this issue. Find it unusual though as I am 5ft 11 with short legs, I should easily reach the bar in theory.
Anyway, surprised to find that I can virtually Pendlay row the same as I do with the barbell row. I actually prefer this version too. It is harder but offers the chance to be explosive and you really feel the reps.

[BigJosh]

Originally Posted by Kuytrider

Before I even came back to this thread, that is the exact video I watched

Biggest problem I had today was the fact that the barbell on the floor was too low for me to reach and keep the proper position. I placed the bar on some plates to overcome this issue. Find it unusual though as I am 5ft 11 with short legs, I should easily reach the bar in theory.
Anyway, surprised to find that I can virtually Pendlay row the same as I do with the barbell row. I actually prefer this version too. It is harder but offers the chance to be explosive and you really feel the reps.

When I perform Pendlay rows I have to bend my knees significantly more than I would if i were performing "standard" barbell rows. It takes some getting used to at first.