Renegade Row vs Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Renegade Row and Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Renegade Row vs Kettlebell Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Kettlebell Row more often — 127 sessions compared to 124 for Renegade Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Renegade 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 Renegade Row and Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Renegade Row | Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a kettlebell |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 124 sessions | 127 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 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, Renegade Row or Kettlebell Row?
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 Renegade Row and Kettlebell Row need?
Renegade Row needs a dumbbell, and Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Renegade Row once your form holds up.
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