Deadlift vs Dumbbell Deadlift
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions vs 4,231. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and Dumbbell Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs Dumbbell Deadlift: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions compared to 4,231 for Dumbbell Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift and Dumbbell Deadlift differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Deadlift and Dumbbell Deadlift Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | Dumbbell Deadlift |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 4,231 sessions |
How to Do Deadlift
Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
- 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
- 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
- 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.
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 Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Deadlift exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Deadlift
Dumbbell Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. First, push your hips back while naturally bending your knees to go down.
- 2. When coming up, straighten your knees first while keeping your weight centered on the soles of your feet, and then bring your hips forward.
- 3. When you are fully upright, open 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 Dumbbell Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Deadlift exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Deadlift or Dumbbell Deadlift?
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions against 4,231 for Dumbbell Deadlift. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Deadlift and Dumbbell Deadlift need?
Deadlift needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Deadlift needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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