Dumbbell Row vs Close Grip T-bar Row

Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 543. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Dumbbell Row and Close Grip T-bar Row for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Dumbbell Row vs Close Grip T-bar Row : 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 543 for Close Grip T-bar Row.

Popularity is not the whole answer. Dumbbell Row and Close Grip T-bar 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 Close Grip T-bar Row Differ

What differsDumbbell RowClose Grip T-bar Row
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty2 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users8,288 sessions543 sessions

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How to Dumbbell Row

Dumbbell Row gif

Dumbbell Row muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Please pull the dumbbell sideways so that it can go up vertically.
  2. 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
  3. 3. Using the strength of your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to arch your back too much or move it up and down.
  3. 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!

Do you want to know more about Dumbbell Row methods?Exercise Guide

How to Close Grip T-bar Row

Close Grip T-bar Row gif

Close Grip T-bar Row muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
  2. 2. Pull your elbows until they reach your sides.
  3. 3. While keeping your chest open, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. Please keep your chest up to avoid slouching your back.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip T-bar Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip T-bar Row Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Close Grip T-bar Row methods?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Close Grip T-bar Row?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 543 for Close Grip T-bar 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 Close Grip T-bar Row need?

Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Close Grip T-bar Row needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip T-bar Row once your form holds up.

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