Dumbbell Row vs Rack Pull
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Rack Pull and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Rack Pull: 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 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Rack Pull 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 Rack Pull Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Rack Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 766 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 Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Rack Pull?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 766 for Rack Pull. 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 Rack Pull need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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