Back Lat Pulldown vs Dumbbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Back Lat Pulldown and Dumbbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Back Lat Pulldown vs Dumbbell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Back Lat Pulldown and Dumbbell Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Back Lat Pulldown and Dumbbell Row Differ
| What differs | Back Lat Pulldown | Dumbbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,569 sessions | 8,288 sessions |
How to Do Back Lat Pulldown
Back Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the bar behind your head.
- 4. Slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful as fully extending your shoulders and arms may put strain on your shoulders.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 3. If you feel discomfort in your shoulders, please adjust the width of your grip on the bar.
For a full Back Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Back Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the dumbbell sideways so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Using the strength of your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to arch your back too much or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Dumbbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Back Lat Pulldown or Dumbbell Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Back Lat Pulldown and Dumbbell Row need?
Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine, and Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Back Lat Pulldown is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Row once your form holds up.
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