Barbell Row vs Band Deadlift
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 722. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Band Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Band Deadlift: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions compared to 722 for Band Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Band Deadlift differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Row and Band Deadlift Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Band Deadlift |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | back, traps, and biceps | back and hamstrings |
| Equipment | a barbell | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 722 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Row
Barbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with 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 let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Barbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Row exercise guide.
How to Do Band Deadlift
Band Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. First, push your hips back while naturally bending your knees to go down.
- 2. When coming up, first straighten your knees while keeping your weight on the center of your feet and then bring your hips forward.
- 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
For a full Band Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Deadlift exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Band Deadlift?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 722 for Band Deadlift. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Row and Band Deadlift work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Row loads back, traps, and biceps, and Band Deadlift loads back and hamstrings.
What equipment do Barbell Row and Band Deadlift need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Band Deadlift needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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