Romanian Deadlift vs Band Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 948. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Band Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Band Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions compared to 948 for Band Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Band Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Romanian Deadlift and Band Row Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Band Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a resistance band |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 948 sessions |
How to Do Romanian Deadlift
Romanian Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lower the barbell vertically to just below your knees while keeping it attached to your body.
- 2. As you go down, let your hips move back first and naturally bend your knees.
- 3. When coming up, straighten your knees first and bring your hips forward.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let the barbell come away from your body.
- 2. Keep your arms straight so that your elbows do not bend.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Romanian Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Romanian Deadlift exercise guide.
How to Do Band Row
Band Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the band sideways so it can go up vertically.
- 2. While bringing your shoulder blades together, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. Using the strength of your back, lower your hands down to below your knees.
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 Band Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Band Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Band Row?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 948 for Band Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Romanian Deadlift and Band Row need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Band Row needs a resistance band.
Which is easier to start with?
Band Row is the easier place to start. Move to Romanian Deadlift once your form holds up.
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