Dumbbell Row vs Deadlift
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Dumbbell Row and Deadlift for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Dumbbell Row vs Deadlift : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions compared to 8,288 for Dumbbell Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Dumbbell Row and Deadlift 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 Deadlift Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Deadlift |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 15,439 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 Deadlift
Deadlift muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
- 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
- 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
- 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Deadlift, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Deadlift Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Deadlift?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Row and Deadlift need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Deadlift needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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