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Dumbbell Row

Difficulty: Beginnerpull

Home Setup

Use sturdy chair or coffee table for support

ChairCoffee tableBed edgeWater jugsHeavy books in backpack

💡 Pro tip: Place one knee and hand on elevated surface for stability

Gym Setup

Flat bench and dumbbells

Safety: Keep back flat and core braced throughout movement

💪 Muscles Worked

Latissimus DorsiRhomboidsTrapeziusRear DeltoidsBiceps

⭐ Why This Exercise?

The dumbbell row is a fundamental unilateral pulling exercise that builds back thickness and width while correcting muscle imbalances between sides. It allows for a greater range of motion than barbell rows and provides excellent mind-muscle connection for hypertrophy training.

Make It Easier

Regressions for building up strength

1. Inverted Row

barbell + rack

Uses bodyweight with adjustable angle

2. Resistance Band Row

resistance bands

Lighter resistance and easier to control

3. Two-Arm Dumbbell Row

dumbbells

Both arms provide more stability

Make It Harder

Progressions for advanced athletes

1. Pendlay Row

barbell

Explosive pull from dead stop increases power

2. Single-Arm Row with Pause

dumbbells + bench

Adds isometric hold at top

3. Kroc Row

heavy dumbbells + bench

Heavier weight with controlled momentum

4. Chest-Supported Row

incline bench + dumbbells

Removes lower back from equation for heavier loads

↕️ Similar Movements

Barbell Row
Same pattern with barbell
Cable Row
Similar horizontal pull with constant tension
Pull-up
Vertical pull for same muscle groups
Face Pull
Targets rear delts and upper back
Lat Pulldown
Vertical pull variation

Form Checklist

Keep back flat and parallel to ground
Pull elbow back toward hip
Squeeze shoulder blade at top
Control the descent
Keep core tight throughout

Common Mistakes

  • Rotating torso during pull
  • Using momentum instead of muscle
  • Not pulling elbow back far enough
  • Rounding the back
  • Shrugging shoulder up

📈 When to Progress

When you can do 12 reps per arm with perfect form for 3 sets without losing back position