Skip to main content

Hominin · exercise

One-Arm Dumbbell Row

One-Arm Dumbbell Row is a beginner strength exercise using dumbbell. It works the middle back, with help from the biceps, lats and shoulders.

beginnerdumbbellpull movementcompoundstrength

Main muscles
middle back
Also works
biceps, lats, shoulders

How to do it

  1. Choose a flat bench and place a dumbbell on each side of it.
  2. Place the right leg on top of the end of the bench, bend your torso forward from the waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor, and place your right hand on the other end of the bench for support.
  3. Use the left hand to pick up the dumbbell on the floor and hold the weight while keeping your lower back straight. The palm of the hand should be facing your torso. This will be your starting position.
  4. Pull the resistance straight up to the side of your chest, keeping your upper arm close to your side and keeping the torso stationary. Breathe out as you perform this step. Tip: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. Also, make sure that the force is performed with the back muscles and not the arms. Finally, the upper torso should remain stationary and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work except for holding the dumbbell; therefore do not try to pull the dumbbell up using the forearms.
  5. Lower the resistance straight down to the starting position. Breathe in as you perform this step.
  6. Repeat the movement for the specified amount of repetitions.
  7. Switch sides and repeat again with the other arm.

Watch a form tutorial on YouTube · Search Hominin for it

Similar exercises

General information, not medical advice: start light, learn the movement before adding weight, and ask a qualified coach or doctor if you are injured or unsure. Exercise data from the Free Exercise DB (public domain).

One-Arm Dumbbell Row: muscles worked and how to do it | Hominin