Dumbbell Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Wide Pulldown Machine 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 Wide Pulldown Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Wide Pulldown Machine: 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 7,817 for Wide Pulldown Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Wide Pulldown Machine 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 Wide Pulldown Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Wide Pulldown Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 7,817 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 Wide Pulldown Machine
Wide Pulldown Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Gather your shoulder blades and naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Lower until your elbows are positioned at your sides.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest open.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your lower back doesn't round.
For a full Wide Pulldown Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Wide Pulldown Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Wide Pulldown Machine?
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 Wide Pulldown Machine need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Wide Pulldown Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Pulldown Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Row once your form holds up.
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