Band Row vs Dumbbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 948. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Band Row and Dumbbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Band Row 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 948 for Band Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Band Row 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 Band Row and Dumbbell Row Differ
| What differs | Band Row | Dumbbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a resistance band | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 948 sessions | 8,288 sessions |
How to Do Band Row
Band Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the band sideways so it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, 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 overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Band Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Row 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, Band Row or Dumbbell Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 948 for Band Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Band Row and Dumbbell Row need?
Band Row needs a resistance band, and Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell.
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