One Arm Kettlebell Row vs Close Grip Chin Up
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
One Arm Kettlebell 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 One Arm Kettlebell Row and Close Grip Chin Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about One Arm Kettlebell Row vs Close Grip Chin Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log One Arm Kettlebell Row more often — 390 sessions compared to 345 for Close Grip Chin Up.
Popularity is not the whole answer. One Arm Kettlebell Row and Close Grip Chin Up 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 Kettlebell Row and Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | One Arm Kettlebell Row | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a kettlebell | a pull-up bar |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 390 sessions | 345 sessions |
How to One Arm Kettlebell Row
One Arm Kettlebell Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull the arm holding the kettlebell.
- 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 Kettlebell Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the One Arm Kettlebell Row Guide page of our blog!
How to Close Grip Chin Up
Close Grip Chin Up muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull your arms back until your chest touches the bar.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your arms back.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position with your chest relaxed.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lose your starting position when you come down.
- 2. Please go up using the strength of your shoulder blades, not your arms.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Close Grip Chin Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Close Grip Chin Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, One Arm Kettlebell Row or Close Grip Chin Up?
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 Kettlebell Row and Close Grip Chin Up need?
One Arm Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
One Arm Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Close Grip Chin Up once your form holds up.
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