Exercise Library / Arms

Dumbbell Row

How to do the Dumbbell Row with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Arms
Primary muscles
Middle back
Secondary muscles
Biceps, forearms, lats and shoulders
Equipment
Dumbbell
Type
Compound
Level
Beginner

Video: “STOP F*cking Up Dumbbell Rows (PROPER FORM!)” by ATHLEAN-X™ on YouTube.

How to do the Dumbbell Row

  1. Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
  2. Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.
  3. Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.
  4. Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.

Muscles worked

The Dumbbell Row mainly works your middle back, with help from your biceps, forearms, lats and shoulders.

Dumbbell Row start and finish positions

Dumbbell Row: Starting position
Starting position
Dumbbell Row: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Dumbbell Row progress

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