Side-Step Walking Row
Strengthen your back & legs with the Side-Step Walking Row! A full-body exercise that builds strength & improves coordination.
The Side-Step Walking Row is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and shoulders, with help from the traps. You'll need: resistance bands.
Required Equipment

Side-Step Walking Row Muscles Worked
Primary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Side-Step Walking Row Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Side-Step Walking Row
Starting Position:
Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
If using a resistance band, hold one end in each hand at chest level, with your elbows bent and your hands in line with your shoulders.
Engage Your Core:
Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your torso.
Step to the Side:
Take a step to the right with your right foot, keeping your left foot in place.
As you step, bend your knees slightly to lower your body into a mini squat.
Perform the Row:
While stepping to the right, pull the resistance band or your hands towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
Keep your elbows close to your body and your wrists straight.
Return to Starting Position:
Step back to the starting position and lower your hands back to chest level or release the tension in the resistance band.
Repeat to the Other Side:
Now step to the left with your left foot, bending your knees slightly.
Again, pull the resistance band or your hands towards your chest as you step.
Continue:
Alternate steps to the right and left for a set duration (e.g., 30 seconds to 1 minute) or a specific number of repetitions (e.g., 10-15 on each side).
Cool Down:
After completing your sets, take a moment to stretch your arms and legs to relax your muscles.
Side-Step Walking Row FAQs
What muscles does the Side-Step Walking Row work?
The Side-Step Walking Row mainly works the back and shoulders, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and posterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Side-Step Walking Row?
Resistance bands.
Is the Side-Step Walking 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 Side-Step Walking Row go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Side-Step Walking Row variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Double Side-Step Kickback Row, Side-Step Rope Pull, Stepover Row and Side Crab Walk with Back Fly.
Training calculators
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