Romanian Deadlift vs Seated Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Seated Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Seated Row Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions compared to 12,198 for Romanian Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Seated 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 Seated Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Seated Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 16,586 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 Row Machine
Seated Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 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 waist.
For a full Seated Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Seated Row Machine?
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 Seated Row Machine need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Seated Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Romanian Deadlift once your form holds up.
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