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.
- Stand with feet hip-width, holding a dumbbell in each hand at the sides, palms facing in.
- Hinge at the hips with a flat back until the torso is roughly 30–45 degrees from horizontal, dumbbells hanging directly below the shoulders.
- Brace the core and pull both dumbbells up and slightly back, driving the elbows past the ribs.
- Squeeze the upper back at the top, keeping the elbows tucked.
- Lower under control to the starting position with the arms fully extended.
- Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.
- The torso angle stays fixed throughout — no rocking up to help the bell.
- Pull to the lower ribs/belly, not to the chest; that line keeps the lats loaded.
- If the lower back rounds, hinge less and reset before the next set.