Renegade Row vs Close Grip Chin Up
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions vs 124. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Renegade Row and Close Grip Chin Up and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Renegade Row vs Close Grip Chin Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions compared to 124 for Renegade Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Renegade Row and Close Grip Chin Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Renegade Row and Close Grip Chin Up Differ
| What differs | Renegade Row | Close Grip Chin Up |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a pull-up bar |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 124 sessions | 345 sessions |
How to Do Renegade Row
Renegade Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell alternately with both arms.
- 2. Raise it until your elbows are vertical.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out excessively.
- 2. Please maintain core strength to prevent your back from bending.
For a full Renegade Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Renegade Row exercise guide.
How to Do 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 Tips
- 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.
For a full Close Grip Chin Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Close Grip Chin Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Renegade Row or Close Grip Chin Up?
Planfit users log Close Grip Chin Up more often — 345 sessions against 124 for Renegade Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Renegade Row and Close Grip Chin Up need?
Renegade Row needs a dumbbell, and Close Grip Chin Up needs a pull-up bar.
Which is easier to start with?
Close Grip Chin Up is the easier place to start. Move to Renegade Row once your form holds up.
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