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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell chest supported row

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The dumbbell chest-supported row is an excellent isolation movement for the upper back and lats. By resting your chest on an incline bench, you eliminate the ability to use momentum or cheat with your lower back. This ensures that the primary movers do all the work, leading to better muscle activation, improved posture, and a thicker, more detailed back development.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Incline Bench: Adjust a bench to an incline of approximately 30-45 degrees.
  2. Dumbbell Placement: Place the dumbbells on the floor behind the end of the bench.
  3. Prone Position: Lie chest down on the bench, with your chest on the incline and your legs extended behind you, keeping your feet flat on the floor.
  4. Grip: Reach down and grasp a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Engage your lats and core, then pull the dumbbells up towards your chest. Keep your elbows close to your body and your back straight.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: Briefly pause at the top of the movement, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position, maintaining tension in your back muscles.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Back: Think about using your back muscles to lift the weight, not just your arms.
  • Elbow Path: Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull the dumbbells up.
  • Chest Support: Maintain contact between your chest and the bench throughout the movement.
  • Variation: You can also perform this exercise with one arm at a time for greater focus on each side of your back.

Common mistakes: Lifting the chest off the bench, shrugging the shoulders, and using a range of motion that is too short.

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