Dumbbell Row vs Archer Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 11. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Archer Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Archer Pull Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions compared to 11 for Archer Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Archer Pull Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Row and Archer Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Archer Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 11 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the dumbbell sideways so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Using the strength of your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to arch your back too much or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Dumbbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Row exercise guide.
How to Do Archer Pull Up
Archer Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull the bar towards your chest while applying strength to one bicep to hold, and push the bar with the other side.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
- 3. Please do the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please make sure your back does not bend excessively.
- 3. Please be careful not to use momentum.
For a full Archer Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Archer Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Archer Pull Up?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 11 for Archer Pull Up. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Row and Archer Pull Up need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Archer Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Archer Pull Up once your form holds up.
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