Dumbbell Row vs Seated Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 296. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Seated Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Seated 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 296 for Seated Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and 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 Seated Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Seated Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 296 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 Seated Row
Seated Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your elbow to brush past your side.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining strength in your back.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Seated Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Seated Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 296 for Seated 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 Seated Row need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Seated Row needs bodyweight only.
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