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Dumbbell Upright Row: starting position Dumbbell Upright Row: end position

Shrug & High Pull · Traps & mid back

Dumbbell Upright Row

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

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Muscles worked

SecondaryBiceps, Shoulders

Traps and side delts.

Setup and loading

Overhand grip.

How to do the dumbbell upright row step by step

  1. Stand with the dumbbells in front of your thighs.
  2. Raise them close to your body with your elbows high.
  3. Stop at chest height and lower.

Form cues

  • Elbows higher than your hands
  • Close to your body

Common mistakes

  • Going above chest height if your shoulder hurts
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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.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

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

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Variations and similar exercises

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