Romanian Deadlift vs Renegade Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 124. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Renegade Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Renegade 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 124 for Renegade Row.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Renegade 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 Renegade Row Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Renegade Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 124 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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Renegade Row?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 124 for Renegade 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 Renegade Row need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Renegade Row needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Romanian Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Renegade Row once your form holds up.
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