Deadlift vs One Arm Machine Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
One Arm Machine Seated Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and One Arm Machine Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs One Arm Machine Seated Row: 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 8,631 for One Arm Machine Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift and One Arm Machine Seated Row 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | One Arm Machine Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 8,631 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row
One Arm Machine Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 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 prevent your back from rounding.
For a full One Arm Machine Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Machine Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Deadlift or One Arm Machine Seated Row?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Deadlift and One Arm Machine Seated Row need?
Deadlift needs a barbell, and One Arm Machine Seated Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
One Arm Machine Seated Row is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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