Dumbbell Row vs Ring High Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 47. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Ring High Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Ring High Row: 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 47 for Ring High Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Ring High 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 Ring High Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Ring High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 47 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 Ring High Row
Ring High Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 2. Pull until your chest touches the ring.
- 3. Slowly 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 avoid rounding your back.
For a full Ring High Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Ring High Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Ring High Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 47 for Ring High Row. 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 Ring High Row need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Ring High Row needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Ring High Row once your form holds up.
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