Deadlift vs Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions vs 296. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Deadlift and Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Deadlift vs 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 296 for Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Deadlift and 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 Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Deadlift | Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,439 sessions | 296 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 Row
Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your elbow to brush past your side.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining strength in your 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 back from rounding.
For a full Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Deadlift or Seated Row?
Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions against 296 for Seated Row. 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 Row need?
Deadlift needs a barbell, and Seated Row needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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