Dumbbell Row - Alternating | Adapt to Perform
Exercises Libary

Dumbbell Row – Alternating

Overview

The Dumbbell Row, also known as the Bent-Over Dumbbell Row, is a compound exercise that targets the muscles of the upper back, including the latissimus dorsi (lats), rhomboids, and trapezius. It is an effective movement for developing back strength, improving posture, and adding muscle mass to the upper body.

Description

Let's get started by grabbing both of your dumbbells. Then hinge from the hips until your body is almost parallel to the floor and allow the arms to hang straight down from the shoulders with the palms facing inwards.

This is the starting position.

From here raise your elbows up as high as you can whilst keeping them tucked in and keeping your hands facing the floor.

Once done, return the dumbbell back down safely to the starting position and repeat with the opposite hand. Once you have done both hands this is one repetition, now repeat this for the desired amount.

If you have limited gripping ability try using the Active Hands Gripping Aids to make this exercise as safe as possible.

Benefits

  • Back Strength: The primary benefit of this exercise is its ability to target and strengthen the muscles of the upper back, including the lats, rhomboids, and trapezius.
  • Posture Improvement: Strengthening the upper back can help improve posture by counteracting the effects of forward-leaning activities like sitting at a desk for prolonged periods.
  • Functional Movement: The Dumbbell Row mimics pulling motions used in various daily activities, making it beneficial for functional upper body strength.

Area focus

  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Back

Primary muscles

  • Biceps
  • Latissimus Dorsi
  • Trapezius

Secondary muscles

  • Deltoids

Exercise type

Strength