Dumbbell Row vs Standing Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 657. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Standing Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs Standing Cable 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 657 for Standing Cable Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | Standing Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 657 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 Standing Cable Row
Standing Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull until the grip touches your abdomen.
- 3. Return to the starting position by straightening your back and fully extending your elbows.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Please stabilize your waist so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Standing Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Standing Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Standing Cable Row?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 657 for Standing Cable 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 Standing Cable Row need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Standing Cable Row needs a machine.
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