Rack Pull vs Kettlebell Deadlift
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Kettlebell Deadlift is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Rack Pull and Kettlebell Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Rack Pull vs Kettlebell Deadlift: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Rack Pull more often — 766 sessions compared to 627 for Kettlebell Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Rack Pull and Kettlebell Deadlift differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Rack Pull and Kettlebell Deadlift Differ
| What differs | Rack Pull | Kettlebell Deadlift |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a kettlebell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 766 sessions | 627 sessions |
How to Do Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
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 Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
How to Do Kettlebell Deadlift
Kettlebell Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. First, push your hips back while naturally bending your knees to go down.
- 2. When coming up, straighten your knees first while keeping your weight on the center of your feet and bring your hips forward.
- 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
For a full Kettlebell Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Kettlebell Deadlift exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Rack Pull or Kettlebell Deadlift?
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 Rack Pull and Kettlebell Deadlift need?
Rack Pull needs a barbell, and Kettlebell Deadlift needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
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