Pendlay Row vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Pendlay Row more often — 344 sessions vs 127. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Pendlay Row and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Pendlay Row vs Kettlebell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pendlay Row more often — 344 sessions compared to 127 for Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Pendlay Row and Kettlebell Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Pendlay Row and Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Pendlay Row | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 344 sessions | 127 sessions |
How to Do Pendlay Row
Pendlay Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull towards your belly button so that the barbell can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Hold the weight with your back strength and lower it completely to the ground.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Pendlay Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pendlay Row exercise guide.
How to Do Kettlebell Row
Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please hold the kettlebell with both hands while leaning your upper body forward.
- 2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows back to lift the kettlebell.
- 3. Raise it until your elbows are vertical, then slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Pendlay Row or Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Pendlay Row more often — 344 sessions against 127 for Kettlebell Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Pendlay Row and Kettlebell Row need?
Pendlay Row needs a barbell, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Pendlay Row once your form holds up.
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