Upper back exercises

Dumbbell Chest-supported Row

Also known as: Rowing haltères sur banc incliné · Κωπηλατική σε επικλινή πάγκο με αλτήρες · chest supported row · incline DB row

Primary
Upper back
Equipment
Dumbbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
1.5 min

How to do the Dumbbell Chest-supported Row

  1. Set the bench to 30–45 degrees and lie face down with your chest on the pad.

  2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms hanging toward the floor.

  3. Row the dumbbells to your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

  4. Lower them slowly until your arms are straight.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 4 kg (10 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Upper back

Secondary

Lats, Biceps

Rhomboids, mid traps and rear delts hold your shoulder blades in place. Rows, face pulls and reverse flyes build thickness and healthier shoulders.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Dumbbell Chest-supported Row doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Dumbbell upper back exercises