Barbell Upright Row vs EZ Bar Upright Row
Side-by-side comparison of Barbell Upright Row and EZ Bar Upright Row. See which exercise suits your training goals, equipment, and fitness level.
| Attribute | Barbell Upright Row | EZ Bar Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Muscle | Traps | Traps |
| Secondary Muscles | None | None |
| Equipment | Short bar | EZ Bar |
| MET Value | 4.5 | 4 |
| Calories (30 min, 70 kg) | ≈ 158 cal | ≈ 140 cal |
| Video Quality | 4K | 4K |
| Male & Female | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Angles | Yes | Yes |
Choose Barbell Upright Row when...
Choose EZ Bar Upright Row when...
The Verdict
Both exercises effectively target the Traps. Barbell Upright Row (short bar) and EZ Bar Upright Row (ez bar) are complementary, not competing. Smart coaches program both: use Barbell Upright Row for your heavy compound work, and EZ Bar Upright Row for variation and muscle balance. Rotating between them prevents plateaus and builds a more complete physique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barbell Upright Row better than EZ Bar Upright Row?
Neither is universally better. Barbell Upright Row (MET 4.5) and EZ Bar Upright Row (MET 4) serve different purposes. Barbell Upright Row uses short bar and targets Traps, while EZ Bar Upright Row uses ez bar and targets Traps. Choose based on your goals and available equipment.
Can I replace Barbell Upright Row with EZ Bar Upright Row?
Yes, both target the Traps, making them reasonable substitutes. Consider the equipment requirements (Short bar vs EZ Bar) and consult a qualified coach before making changes to your program.
Which burns more calories, Barbell Upright Row or EZ Bar Upright Row?
Barbell Upright Row burns approximately 158 cal/30 min vs 140 cal/30 min for EZ Bar Upright Row (based on a 70 kg person).
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