Dumbbell Row vs T-Bar Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Dumbbell Row vs T-Bar Row Machine: 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 4,322 for T-Bar Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row Machine 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 T-Bar Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Row | T-Bar Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 8,288 sessions | 4,322 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 T-Bar Row Machine
T-Bar Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, pull your arms back naturally.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Keep your chest open and slowly extend your arms.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist.
For a full T-Bar Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Dumbbell Row or T-Bar Row Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row Machine need?
Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and T-Bar Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to T-Bar Row Machine once your form holds up.
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