Romanian Deadlift vs Seated Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions vs 12,198. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Seated Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Seated Cable Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions compared to 12,198 for Romanian Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Seated Cable 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 Seated Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Seated Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 52,786 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 Seated Cable Row
Seated Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your back.
- 3. Please stabilize your back so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Seated Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Seated Cable Row?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 12,198 for Romanian Deadlift. 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 Seated Cable Row need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Seated Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to Romanian Deadlift once your form holds up.
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