Deadlift vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions vs 4,545. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Deadlift or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. 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 High Row Machine need?
Deadlift needs a barbell, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
High Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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