Barbell Row vs Renegade Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions vs 124. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Row and Renegade Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Barbell Row vs Renegade Row: 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 124 for Renegade Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Row and Renegade Row 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 Renegade Row Differ
| What differs | Barbell Row | Renegade Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 18,910 sessions | 124 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 Renegade Row
Renegade Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell alternately with both arms.
- 2. Raise it until your elbows are vertical.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out excessively.
- 2. Please maintain core strength to prevent your back from bending.
For a full Renegade Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Renegade Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Barbell Row or Renegade Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 18,910 sessions against 124 for Renegade Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Row and Renegade Row need?
Barbell Row needs a barbell, and Renegade Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Renegade Row once your form holds up.
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