Exercise Library / Arms

Upright Rows

How to do the Upright Rows with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Arms
Primary muscles
Shoulders
Secondary muscles
Traps
Equipment
Dumbbell/Barbell
Type
Compound
Level
Beginner

Video: “How-To Perform Upright Rows | Dumbbell Exercise Tutorial” by Buff Dudes Workouts on YouTube.

How to do the Upright Rows

  1. Grasp a barbell with an overhand grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The bar should be resting on the top of your thighs with your arms extended and a slight bend in your elbows. Your back should also be straight. This will be your starting position.
  2. Now exhale and use the sides of your shoulders to lift the bar, raising your elbows up and to the side. Keep the bar close to your body as you raise it. Continue to lift the bar until it nearly touches your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion, and should always be higher than your forearms. Remember to keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
  3. Lower the bar back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Upright Rows mainly works your shoulders, with help from your traps.

Upright Rows start and finish positions

Upright Rows: Starting position
Starting position
Upright Rows: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Upright Rows progress

Getting stronger means beating last time. GymGod shows your last weights and reps for every exercise, including this one, so you always know what to beat.

More arms exercises

Browse all 173 exercises →