I've really tried with this movement I think. Looked up videos for help with form, but it seems like every one I watch has the back at a different angle. Doesn't matter what the angle is, it's uncomfortable and starts hurting my back if I do it for too long. In fact, it feels more like a lower back exercise than upper back, where I don't feel it at all. The weight is either too light and I don't have to focus on form, but it doesn't feel like I'm hitting the muscle groups I want, or it's too heavy and I'm unable to maintain good form at all. There is no in between weight here.

Additionally, and most importantly, it doesn't feel like there's a way to really struggle through the last few reps. I'm not sure how else to put this, but with squats or other movement I'm comfortable with, the last few reps get really hard but I feel like I can go all out and try really hard to finish them and it actually gets me exhausted. This doesn't happen with rows - the last few reps my form just gives out and I'm just like "whelp, done with that" with none of that sorta satisfying exhaustion I feel from other movements.

This changed yesterday when I went for one handed chest supported machine rows instead and I actually felt that "oomph" at the end. I actually feel a little soreness in those spots I was trying to hit with rows today because of that.

I guess I'm asking if it's ok to just say fuck Barbell rows and go for similar movements with machines instead.