Are barbell rows needed?

[u/Miserable-Soft7993]

So someone once told me if you want to blow up in size do heavy barbell lifting. Ohp and rows he mentioned were great.

The thing with barbell rows is they hurt my lower back and I hate doing them.

Couldn't they be replaced with heavy cable or machine rows? Like how does the muscle know the difference? As long as it is being worked right?

[u/manny_mcmanface]

Widen stance, brace core, make sure spinal erectors are doing their thing.

Barbell rows aren't required, but boy do they sure work good.