Thoughts on T-Bar Rows

[biglifter]

What are some thoughts on including T-bar rows into PL training, with the goal to build strength (of course, but wanted to make it clear). My normal supplement to DL/SLDL day is heavy one-arm DB rows. I'm about 99% anti-machine training but always liked loading up the T-bar back in the bodybuilding days. So, for hardcore PL purposes:
>Great exercise or just fluff for powerlifters?
>Preference for the type that is just a platform and bar or the kind where your chest/abs are supported with a pad

[chancey]

I am no expert on them and don't do them much. I see the supported type rows come up on occasion when talking about hitting your lats to help increase your bench press. I like these better than just using the bar on the floor and chasing that thing around. Plus it hits the middle of the back more the way you hold it and I am not sure from are stand point that is what you want. I believe the the chest supported version would be fine because you can have a wider grip with them allowing you to hit your lats more. I would do the chest supported version or continue with your dumbbell or barbell rows.

[dopar66]

I'm not disagreeing with Chancey at all, just adding a different perspective. One thing is we're not using gear, so we're not so concerned about pulling the bar to the chest against a shirt. So in that respect, anything that hits the lats really good, along with all those other funny-named muscles in the upper back, will give you plenty of development for benching. To be perfectly honest, it ends up being the one that works best for YOU. I use the chest supported 3:1 or 4:1 over any other low pull. I use a straight bar at least 3:1 over a t-bar. Once in a while just to change the flavor I'll add t-bars in, and they do work the daylights outta the back, I just find myself using more momentum as the weight goes up.

God Bless!

[Deleted]

Coming from a powerlifting and bodybuilding background,Id have to say that good ol fashioned off the floor with someone standing on the other end t-bars are superior in powerlifting training.Remember,we're trying to work stabilizers and accessories.It takes alot of lower back and leg strength to hold the correct position when doing them off the floor.I grab the close grip attachment and hook it under the bar while my partner stands on the other end.You can work up to as many plates as you can fit.Better than barbell rows for sure.But one arm dumbell rows are still my fave! A muscle doesnt know the difference between bodybuilding or powerlifting,only that it responds to overload.But Ive learned that powerlifting is a game of bringing as many muscles into play as possible.Not targeting different"heads" or areas of one group.

[traps]

I feel that close grip T-bar rows hit more of the rhomboid and trapezius muscles. That doesn't mean that it wouldn't benefit a powerlifter. I think these muscles play a big role in the deadlift. I've also done it with a straight bar while hooking it up to a chain on the sleeve of the barbell so I can use a wider grip to simulate a bench grip. Try it and give it a chance to see if it might be right for you.

[fatty]

I personally don't do em.

I do alot of close grip and wide grip back work but Tbars cause alittle to much irritation around my fusions..

Fatty