Rowing with dumbbells on two supports

The dumbbell row in a bent-over position is one of the fundamental exercises for building back thickness and strength. By keeping the elbows close to the torso, the latissimus dorsi muscles are maximally engaged. This exercise also teaches proper spinal stabilization under load and strengthens the entire posterior chain (legs and back).

Which muscles work during the bent-over dumbbell row?

• latissimus dorsi muscle (primary mover)
• trapezius muscle (middle and lower portion)
• rhomboid muscles (responsible for scapular retraction)
• teres major muscle

• biceps brachii (assists elbow flexion)
• rear deltoid (to a lesser extent than with wide elbow tracking)
• erector spinae (isometric work to maintain position)
• gluteal muscles and hamstrings (postural stabilization)
• abdominal muscles (core)

Proper technique

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart.
2. Slightly bend the knees to maintain stability.
3. Hinge forward with a straight torso, maintaining natural spinal curves.
4. Push the hips back.
5. Let the arms with dumbbells hang down, palms facing backward.
6. Engage the core and stabilize the torso.

1. Keeping the elbows close to the body, pull them backward until they pass the line of the back.
2. Simultaneously retract and depress the shoulder blades.
3. Lift the dumbbells roughly to hip level.
4. Slowly return to the starting position with full control.
5. Continue repetitions without swinging the torso.

• Inhale while lowering the dumbbells.
• Exhale while pulling the elbows back.

Most common mistakes

• rounding the back and losing a neutral spine
• excessive chest lifting and torso jerking
• flaring the elbows instead of keeping them close
• fast, jerky movements
• using excessive weight at the expense of technique
• lack of core engagement

Tips

• Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the movement.
• Initiate the lift by retracting the shoulder blades, not by bending the arms.
• Select a load that allows full control.
• Keep the elbows close to the body to better activate the back muscles.
• Pause briefly at the top to increase muscular engagement.

Which training should you combine the bent-over dumbbell row with?

• Pull-ups: Rows build back thickness, pull-ups build width.
• Deadlifts: Rows complement deadlift-focused sessions.
• Pull-type training sessions as a primary compound movement.