Dumbbell Row vs Pull Up
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 Pull Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Dumbbell Row vs Pull Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pull Up more often — 15,437 sessions compared to 8,288 for Dumbbell Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Dumbbell Row and Pull Up 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 Pull Up Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Pull Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a pull-up bar |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 15,437 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 Pull Up
Pull Up muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, gently pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position while keeping your chest relaxed.
Coach's Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pull Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pull Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Pull Up?
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 Pull Up need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Pull Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pull Up once your form holds up.
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