Dumbbell Deadlift vs Kettlebell Deadlift

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Deadlift more often — 4,230 sessions vs 627. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Deadlift and Kettlebell Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

Dumbbell Deadlift vs Kettlebell Deadlift: 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 627 for Kettlebell Deadlift.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Deadlift and Kettlebell Deadlift 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 Kettlebell Deadlift Differ

What differsDumbbell DeadliftKettlebell Deadlift
Equipmenta dumbbella kettlebell
Difficulty1 of 52 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,230 sessions627 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Deadlift or Kettlebell Deadlift fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Deadlift

Dumbbell Deadlift demo video

Dumbbell Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. First, push your hips back while naturally bending your knees to go down.
  2. 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. 3. When you are fully upright, open your chest and contract your entire back.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
  2. 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.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Deadlift?Exercise Guide

How to Do Kettlebell Deadlift

Kettlebell Deadlift demo video

Kettlebell Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. First, push your hips back while naturally bending your knees to go down.
  2. 2. When coming up, straighten your knees first while keeping your weight on the center of your feet and bring your hips forward.
  3. 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
  2. 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.

For a full Kettlebell Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Deadlift exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Kettlebell Deadlift?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Deadlift or Kettlebell Deadlift?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Deadlift more often — 4,230 sessions against 627 for Kettlebell Deadlift. 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 Kettlebell Deadlift need?

Dumbbell Deadlift needs a dumbbell, and Kettlebell Deadlift needs a kettlebell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Kettlebell Deadlift once your form holds up.

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