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Bent-Over Dumbbell Row demonstration

Illustration by RepDB

Strength / Dumbbell

Bent-Over Dumbbell Row

A two-arm bent-over row with a dumbbell in each hand. The free movement of independent dumbbells lets the elbows track natural and adds a stability demand that a barbell row hides.

Equipment

Dumbbell

Experience

intermediate

Movement

compound

Primary musclesSecondary muscles

Biceps · Traps · Rear Delts

Instructions

  1. 01

    Stand with feet hip-width, holding a dumbbell in each hand at the sides, palms facing in.

  2. 02

    Hinge at the hips with a flat back until the torso is roughly 30–45 degrees from horizontal, dumbbells hanging directly below the shoulders.

  3. 03

    Brace the core and pull both dumbbells up and slightly back, driving the elbows past the ribs.

  4. 04

    Squeeze the upper back at the top, keeping the elbows tucked.

  5. 05

    Lower under control to the starting position with the arms fully extended.

  6. 06

    Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

Choose a load and range you can control. These instructions are general guidance, not a substitute for individual coaching.