One Arm Dumbbell Row vs Seated Row Machine
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 2. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of One Arm Dumbbell Row and Seated Row Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about One Arm Dumbbell Row vs Seated Row Machine : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log One Arm Dumbbell Row more often — 29,855 sessions compared to 16,586 for Seated Row Machine.
Popularity is not the whole answer. One Arm Dumbbell Row and Seated Row Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How One Arm Dumbbell Row and Seated Row Machine Differ
| What differs | One Arm Dumbbell Row | Seated Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,855 sessions | 16,586 sessions |
How to One Arm Dumbbell Row
One Arm Dumbbell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull the arm holding the dumbbell.
- 2. Keep your elbow close to your side and pull until your elbow is vertical.
- 3. Slowly lower it until your elbow is fully extended 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 up to avoid rounding your back.
If you want to know a detailed guide to One Arm Dumbbell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the One Arm Dumbbell Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Seated Row Machine
Seated Row Machine muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
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 Seated Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, One Arm Dumbbell Row or Seated 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 One Arm Dumbbell Row and Seated Row Machine need?
One Arm Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and Seated Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to One Arm Dumbbell Row once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

