Dumbbell Row vs Superman Row

Which one fits your Back workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions vs 2,116. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and Superman Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.

Dumbbell Row vs Superman 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 2,116 for Superman Row.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and Superman 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 Superman Row Differ

What differsDumbbell RowSuperman Row
Equipmenta dumbbellbodyweight only
Difficulty2 of 53 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users8,288 sessions2,116 sessions

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Not sure whether Dumbbell Row or Superman Row fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Row

Dumbbell Row demo video

Dumbbell Row Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Please pull the dumbbell sideways so that it can go up vertically.
  2. 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
  3. 3. Using the strength of your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to arch your back too much or move it up and down.
  3. 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.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Row?Exercise Guide

How to Do Superman Row

Superman Row demo video

Superman Row Muscles Worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Lift your chest and head while pulling your arms towards your collarbone.
  2. 2. Extend your arms forward and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. Please be careful not to strain and lift your upper body.

For a full Superman Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Superman Row exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Superman Row?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or Superman Row?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions against 2,116 for Superman 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 Superman Row need?

Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Superman Row needs bodyweight only.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Superman Row once your form holds up.

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