Deadlift vs Seated Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions vs 15,439. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and Seated Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs Seated Cable Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions compared to 15,439 for Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift and Seated Cable 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 Seated Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | Seated Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 52,786 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 Seated Cable Row
Seated Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your back.
- 3. Please stabilize your back so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Seated Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Deadlift or Seated Cable Row?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 15,439 for 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 Seated Cable Row need?
Deadlift needs a barbell, and Seated Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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