Upper back exercises

Kettlebell Alternating Bent-over Row

Also known as: Rowing buste penché alterné au kettlebell · Εναλλάξ κωπηλατική σε κάμψη με κέτλμπελ · Alternating Kettlebell Row

Primary
Upper back
Equipment
Kettlebell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Isolation
Force
Pull
Suggested rest
1 min

How to do the Kettlebell Alternating Bent-over Row

  1. Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and push your butt out as much as possible. As you bend over to get into the starting position grab both kettlebells by the handles.

  2. Pull one kettlebell off of the floor while holding on to the other kettlebell. Retract the shoulder blade of the working side, as you flex the elbow, drawing the kettlebell towards your stomach or rib cage.

  3. Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–151 min
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

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

Biceps, Lats

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

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Kettlebell upper back exercises