Bent-Over Row Dumbbell
Exercise Type / Difficulty:
Strength
/ Intermediate
Equipment:
Dumbbell
Muscle Groups:
Upper Back
Biceps
Core
Lats
Description
The dumbbell bent-over row is a unilateral pulling exercise that targets the upper back and lats, while also engaging the biceps, core, and lower back for stability. Using dumbbells allows for a greater range of motion and can help correct muscle imbalances between sides.
How to Perform
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing in).
- Hinge at the hips with a flat back until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor.
- Let the dumbbells hang at arm’s length, then row them toward your ribcage.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top.
- Lower the dumbbells under control to the starting position.
**Coaching Cues**
- Keep your spine neutral and core tight throughout.
- Avoid shrugging — focus on pulling with your back, not your arms.
- Don’t let the dumbbells drift forward — keep them close to your body.
- Control the eccentric (lowering) phase to maximize tension.