Dumbbell Deadlift vs Low Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Deadlift is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Deadlift and Low Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Deadlift vs Low Row Machine: 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 3,112 for Low Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Deadlift and Low Row Machine 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 Low Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Deadlift | Low Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,230 sessions | 3,112 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 Low Row Machine
Low Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. While maintaining an open chest, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest out to avoid slouching your back.
For a full Low Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Low Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Deadlift or Low Row Machine?
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 Dumbbell Deadlift and Low Row Machine need?
Dumbbell Deadlift needs a dumbbell, and Low Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Low Row Machine once your form holds up.
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