Dumbbell Row vs Close Grip Chin Up
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 345. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Dumbbell Row and Close Grip Chin Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Dumbbell Row vs Close Grip Chin Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions compared to 345 for Close Grip Chin Up.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Dumbbell Row and Close Grip Chin Up 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 Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 345 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 Close Grip Chin Up
Close Grip Chin Up muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please go up using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip Chin Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip Chin Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Close Grip Chin Up?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 345 for Close Grip Chin 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 Close Grip Chin Up need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Chin Up once your form holds up.
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