Romanian Deadlift vs One Arm Kettlebell Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 391. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and One Arm Kettlebell Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs One Arm Kettlebell 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 391 for One Arm Kettlebell Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and One Arm 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 Romanian Deadlift and One Arm Kettlebell Row Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | One Arm Kettlebell Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a kettlebell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 391 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 One Arm Kettlebell Row
One Arm Kettlebell Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull the arm holding the kettlebell.
- 2. Keep your elbow close to your side and pull until your elbow is vertical.
- 3. Slowly lower it until your elbow is fully extended 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 up to avoid rounding your back.
For a full One Arm Kettlebell Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the One Arm Kettlebell Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or One Arm Kettlebell Row?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 391 for One Arm Kettlebell 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 One Arm Kettlebell Row need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and One Arm Kettlebell Row needs a kettlebell.
Which is easier to start with?
One Arm Kettlebell Row is the easier place to start. Move to Romanian Deadlift once your form holds up.
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