Romanian Deadlift vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 4,545. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and High Row Machine 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 High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 4,545 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 High Row Machine
High Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 4,545 for High Row Machine. 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 High Row Machine need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
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