How to Do the T-bar Row With Handle

The steps for the T-bar Row With Handle itself, so you can judge how close each substitute below really is.

Middle Back, with biceps, lats · Barbell · Intermediate · Compound

Position a bar into a landmine or in a corner to keep it from moving. Load an appropriate weight onto your end.
Stand over the bar, and position a Double D row handle around the bar next to the collar. Using your hips and legs, rise to a standing position.
Assume a wide stance with your hips back and your chest up. Your arms should be extended. This will be your starting position.
Pull the weight to your upper abdomen by retracting the shoulder blades and flexing the elbows. Do not jerk the weight or cheat during the movement.
After a brief pause, return to the starting position.

The 10 Best T-bar Row With Handle Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the T-bar Row With Handle on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Cards with a "How to perform it" link open to show the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

At home

Each link re-ranks the list below for the kit it names. Pick one to hide the substitutes you cannot set up.

1. Bent Over Two-arm Long Bar Row
99% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
It uses the same equipment and still works the middle back.
Barbell
How to perform it
Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
Now grab the bar with both arms just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
Pull the bar straight up with your elbows in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Use a stirrup or double handle cable attachment by hooking it under the end of the bar.
Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.
Why this matches
Primary muscle: middle back, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Equipment: free weights, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Body position: standing, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
2. Two-arm Kettlebell Row
99% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
A good swap when you have a kettlebell to work with, and it still works the middle back.
Kettlebell
How to perform it
Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and then push your butt out as much as possible as you bend over to get in the starting position.
Grab both kettlebells and pull them to your stomach, retracting your shoulder blades and flexing the elbows. Keep your back straight. Lower and repeat.
Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.
Why this matches
Primary muscle: middle back, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Equipment: free weights, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Body position: standing, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
3. Straight Bar Bench Mid Rows
96% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
The same equipment, taken with an overhand grip.
Barbell
How to perform it
Place a loaded barbell on the end of a bench. Standing on the bench behind the bar, take a medium, pronated grip. Stand with your hips back and chest up, maintaining a neutral spine. This will be your starting position.
Row the bar to your torso by retracting the shoulder blades and flexing the elbows. Use a controlled movement with no jerking.
After a brief pause, slowly return the bar to the starting position, ensuring to go all the way down.
Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.
Why this matches
Primary muscle: middle back, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Equipment: free weights, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Body position: standing, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
4. Bent Over One-arm Long Bar Row
92% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
Pick this when you want to work the middle back one side at a time.
Barbell
How to perform it
Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.
Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.
Why this matches
Primary muscle: middle back, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Equipment: free weights, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Body position: standing, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
5. Alternating Kettlebell Row
92% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
6. Bent Over Two-dumbbell Row
90% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
A good swap when you have dumbbells to work with, and it still works the middle back.
Dumbbell
How to perform it
With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing your torso), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward by bending at the waist; as you bend make sure to keep your back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The weights should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.
Why this matches
Primary muscle: middle back, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Equipment: free weights, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
Body position: standing, the same as the T-bar Row With Handle
7. Bent Over Two-dumbbell Row With Palms In
90% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
8. Sled Row
87% match
Middle Back · Intermediate · Compound
9. Alternating Renegade Row
82% match
Middle Back · Advanced · Compound
10. Barbell Bent Over Row
81% match
Upper Back · Intermediate · Compound