One Arm Dumbbell Row vs T-Bar Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log One Arm Dumbbell Row more often — 29,855 sessions vs 3,618. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of One Arm Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
One Arm Dumbbell Row vs T-Bar Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log One Arm Dumbbell Row more often — 29,855 sessions compared to 3,618 for T-Bar Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. One Arm Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How One Arm Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row Differ
| What differs | One Arm Dumbbell Row | T-Bar Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 29,855 sessions | 3,618 sessions |
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest up to avoid rounding your back.
For a full One Arm Dumbbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Dumbbell Row exercise guide.
How to Do T-Bar Row
T-Bar Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, gently pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. Maintain an open chest position and slowly extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Open your chest and brace your abs to keep your torso stable, making sure your lower back does not round.
- 2. Using momentum can strain your lower back, so perform the movement slowly and in a controlled manner.
For a full T-Bar Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the T-Bar Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, One Arm Dumbbell Row or T-Bar Row?
Planfit users log One Arm Dumbbell Row more often — 29,855 sessions against 3,618 for T-Bar Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do One Arm Dumbbell Row and T-Bar Row need?
One Arm Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell, and T-Bar Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
One Arm Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to T-Bar Row once your form holds up.
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