Dumbbell Row vs Butterfly Pull Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 14. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Butterfly Pull Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Butterfly 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 14 for Butterfly Pull Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Butterfly 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 Butterfly Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Butterfly Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 14 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 Butterfly Pull Up
Butterfly Pull Up Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Use the recoil to pull your arms so that your chest touches the bar.
- 2. Pull your arms naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 3. Please repeat for the specified number of times.
Coach's Tips
- Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades instead of your arms.
For a full Butterfly Pull Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Butterfly Pull Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Butterfly Pull Up?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 14 for Butterfly 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 Butterfly Pull Up need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Butterfly Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Butterfly Pull Up once your form holds up.
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