Dumbbell Deadlift vs Back Lat Pulldown
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Deadlift more often — 4,230 sessions vs 1,569. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Deadlift vs Back Lat Pulldown: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Deadlift more often — 4,230 sessions compared to 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Deadlift | Back Lat Pulldown |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,230 sessions | 1,569 sessions |
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.
How to Do Back Lat Pulldown
Back Lat Pulldown Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while bringing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Lower your forearms vertically.
- 3. Pull the bar behind your head.
- 4. Slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful as fully extending your shoulders and arms may put strain on your shoulders.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 3. If you feel discomfort in your shoulders, please adjust the width of your grip on the bar.
For a full Back Lat Pulldown guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Back Lat Pulldown exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Deadlift or Back Lat Pulldown?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Deadlift more often — 4,230 sessions against 1,569 for Back Lat Pulldown. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Deadlift and Back Lat Pulldown need?
Dumbbell Deadlift needs a dumbbell, and Back Lat Pulldown needs a machine.
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