Dumbbell Row vs Neutral Grip Chin Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 328. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Neutral Grip Chin Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Neutral Grip Chin 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 328 for Neutral Grip Chin Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Neutral Grip Chin 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 Neutral Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Neutral 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 | 328 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 Neutral Grip Chin Up
Neutral 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. With your chest relaxed, slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please rise using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
For a full Neutral Grip Chin Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Neutral Grip Chin Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Neutral Grip Chin Up?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 328 for Neutral 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 Neutral Grip Chin Up need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Neutral Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Neutral Grip Chin Up once your form holds up.
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