Atlas
Bent-Over Dumbbell Row: starting position Bent-Over Dumbbell Row: end position

Horizontal Pull · Traps & mid back

Bent-Over Dumbbell Row

A horizontal pull exercise that works the traps & mid back. Beginner level, using dumbbells.

BeginnerDumbbellsGymHome

Muscles worked

SecondaryBiceps, Lats, Shoulders

Mid-back, lats, and biceps.

Setup and loading

Palms facing your body.

How to do the bent-over dumbbell row step by step

  1. Hinge until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. Pull the dumbbells toward your waist.
  3. Squeeze your shoulder blades and lower.

Form cues

  • Neutral spine
  • Head in line

Common mistakes

  • Raising your torso to lift
Advertisement

Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

0 of 2

Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Adjustable dumbbellsSave space and replace a whole dumbbell rack at home.

As an Amazon Associate, Muscle Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

Variations and similar exercises

Advertisement