Seated Row Machine vs Deadlift

Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan

Contents

Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start — difficulty 1 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.

Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Seated Row Machine and Deadlift for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Seated Row Machine vs Deadlift : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions compared to 15,439 for Deadlift.

Popularity is not the whole answer. Seated Row Machine and Deadlift differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Seated Row Machine and Deadlift Differ

What differsSeated Row MachineDeadlift
Equipmenta machinea barbell
Difficulty1 of 54 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users16,586 sessions15,439 sessions
Not sure whether Seated Row Machine or Deadlift fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Seated Row Machine

Seated Row Machine gif

Seated Row Machine muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
  2. 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
  3. 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
  2. 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Seated Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Row Machine Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Seated Row Machine methods?Exercise Guide

How to Deadlift

Deadlift gif

Deadlift muscles worked: Back

Form

  1. 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
  2. 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
  3. 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
  4. 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
  2. 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Deadlift, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Deadlift Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Deadlift methods?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Deadlift?

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 Seated Row Machine and Deadlift need?

Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Deadlift needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.

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