Romanian Deadlift vs Dumbbell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Dumbbell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Dumbbell 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 8,288 for Dumbbell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Row Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Dumbbell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 8,288 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 Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the dumbbell sideways so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, 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 arch your back too much or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Dumbbell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Dumbbell 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 Romanian Deadlift and Dumbbell Row need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Romanian Deadlift once your form holds up.
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