High Row Machine vs Dumbbell Row
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of High Row Machine and Dumbbell Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about High Row Machine vs Dumbbell Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Row more often — 8,288 sessions compared to 4,545 for High Row Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. High Row Machine and Dumbbell Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How High Row Machine and Dumbbell Row Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Dumbbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 8,288 sessions |
How to High Row Machine
High Row Machine muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to High Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the High Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Dumbbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Dumbbell Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Dumbbell Row?
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 High Row Machine and Dumbbell Row need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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