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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell one arm row(with support)

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

The dumbbell one arm row with support is a classic back exercise that isolates the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids. By supporting your body on a bench or rack, you stabilize your torso, allowing you to lift heavier weights with better focus on the target muscle. This unilateral movement helps correct strength imbalances and improves pulling mechanics, contributing to a thicker, more symmetrical and powerful upper back.

Stats

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

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Bench and Dumbbell: Position a flat bench beside you. Place a dumbbell on the floor next to the end of the bench.
  2. Foot and Hand Placement: Stand facing the bench. Place one hand and the same-side knee on the bench, creating a stable base. Your torso should be almost parallel to the floor.
  3. Dumbbell Grip: Reach down with your free hand and grasp the dumbbell with a neutral grip (palm facing your body).

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Engage your back muscles and pull the dumbbell up towards your hip, keeping your elbow close to your body. Focus on driving your elbow towards the ceiling.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: Briefly pause at the top of the movement, squeezing your shoulder blade towards your spine.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position, resisting the weight's pull. Feel a stretch in your latissimus dorsi (lat) at the bottom.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Back: Think about using your back muscles to lift the weight, not just your arm.
  • Elbow Path: Keep your elbow close to your body as you pull the dumbbell up.
  • Torso Stability: Avoid twisting or rotating your torso during the movement. Keep your core engaged.
  • Shoulder Position: Keep your shoulders packed down and away from your ears.

Common mistakes: Rotating the torso to lift the weight, pulling the dumbbell toward the chest instead of the hip, and rounding the lower back while leaning on the support.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

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Pull Up Bar

chin up

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Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

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Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

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Pull Up Bar

chin up

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Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

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Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

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Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

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Pull Up Bar

pull up

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Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

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Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

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Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

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Row Cable

cable seated row

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Barbell

barbell bent over row

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Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

BackRear Shoulder
Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

BackRear Shoulder
Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

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Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

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Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

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Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

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Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

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Barbell

barbell chest supported row

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Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

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Landmine

t-bar row

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Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

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Low Row Machine

machine low row

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Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

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Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

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Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

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High Row Machine

machine high row

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Row Cable

cable low seated row

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Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

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Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

BackRear Shoulder
None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

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None

superman row with towel

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Row Cable

cable seated row(rope)

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Rings

ring high suspended row

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Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

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Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

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Rings

ring suspended row

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Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

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Resistance Band

band seated row

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Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

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