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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell rear delt row

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

The dumbbell rear delt row targets the posterior deltoids and the upper back muscles like the rhomboids and traps. By rowing dumbbells with an emphasis on pulling the elbows back and out, you specifically engage the often-neglected rear shoulders. It is essential for maintaining shoulder health, improving posture, and achieving a well-rounded, muscular look from both the back and side views.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench, Dumbbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Support: Place one hand and the same side knee on a bench for support. Your torso should be roughly parallel to the floor.
  2. Dumbbell Grip: Grasp a dumbbell in your free hand with an overhand grip, and let it hang.
  3. Proud posture: Keep your chest lifted and back flat. Your spine should be neutral.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Engage your rear delts and pull the dumbbell directly upwards towards your torso. Keep your elbow high and pointed outwards.
  2. Focus on the rear delts: Concentrate on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the peak of the movement.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner, maintaining tension in your shoulders.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

Tips:

  • Don't swing: Minimize torso movement to isolate the rear delts effectively.

  • Think "elbows back": Concentrate on pulling with your elbows to engage the back of the shoulders effectively.

Common mistakes: Shrugging the weight up and using the lower back to assist the pull.

Alternatives

Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly(parallel grip)

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable crossover reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable seated rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Cable

cable standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Resistance Band

resistance band kneeling face pull

Rear Shoulder
Dumbbell

dumbbell rear delt raise

Rear ShoulderTraps
Squat Rack

band standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder