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Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row

Strengthen your back with Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Rows! A challenging exercise for serious back gains. Proper form is key!

The Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row is a compound exercise that mainly works the back, with help from the traps and shoulders. You'll need: dumbbells.

Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row demo video 2
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Required Equipment

Dumbbells
Dumbbells

Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)

Secondary

Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)

How to do the Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Hold a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip (palms facing down).

    • Hinge at your hips to bend forward, keeping your back straight and neck in a neutral position.

    • Your torso should be nearly parallel to the ground.

  2. Arm Position:

    • Let the dumbbells hang down at arm’s length in front of you.

    • Your hands should be wider than your shoulders.

  3. Movement:

    • Engage your core and pull the dumbbells up towards your chest.

    • Ensure your elbows are flared out to the sides as you lift the weights.

    • Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.

  4. Descending Phase:

    • Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, fully extending your arms but keeping tension in your muscles.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Aim for 8-12 repetitions.

    • Perform 2-3 sets, resting for 30-60 seconds between sets.

Tips:

  • Keep your movements controlled to avoid using momentum.

  • Focus on maintaining a flat back throughout the exercise to prevent strain.

  • If you experience any discomfort in your back, reconsider the weight you're using or check your form.

Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row FAQs

What muscles does the Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row work?

The Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row mainly works the back, with help from the traps and shoulders. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids.

What equipment do you need for the Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row?

Dumbbells.

Is the Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Dumbbell Wide Bent-Over Row variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Wide-Grip Bent-Over Row, Barbell Bent-Over Paused Row, Bodyweight Bent-Over Row and Bottle-Weight Armpit Row.

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