Dumbbell Row vs One Arm Machine Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
One Arm Machine Seated Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and One Arm Machine Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs One Arm Machine Seated Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log One Arm Machine Seated Row more often — 8,631 sessions compared to 8,288 for Dumbbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and One Arm Machine Seated Row 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | One Arm Machine Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 8,631 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 One Arm Machine Seated Row
One Arm Machine Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full One Arm Machine Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Machine Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or One Arm Machine Seated Row?
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 One Arm Machine Seated Row need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and One Arm Machine Seated Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
One Arm Machine Seated Row is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Row once your form holds up.
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