Dumbbell Row vs Barbell Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 9,237 sessions vs 4,026. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Dumbbell Row and Barbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Dumbbell Row vs Barbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 9,237 sessions compared to 4,026 for Dumbbell Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Dumbbell Row and Barbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Row and Barbell Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Barbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,026 sessions | 9,237 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Dumbbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Dumbbell Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Barbell Row
Barbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your back be too upright or move up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Barbell Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Row more often — 9,237 sessions against 4,026 for Dumbbell Row. 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 Barbell Row need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Row once your form holds up.
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