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Exercise Guide

How to do kettlebell bent over row

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

The kettlebell bent-over row is a fundamental pulling exercise that targets the back, shoulders, and arms. Using a kettlebell allows for a slightly different grip and range of motion compared to a dumbbell. This movement is essential for building a strong upper back, improving posture, and enhancing grip strength while maintaining core stability throughout the exercise.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Kettlebell
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Kettlebell Placement: Place two kettlebells on the floor in front of you, shoulder-width apart.
  2. Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outwards.
  3. Hip Hinge: Push your hips back and bend your knees slightly to lower your torso until it's almost parallel to the floor. Keep your back flat and your chest lifted.
  4. Grip: Grasp the kettlebell handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).

The Lift:

  1. Row Upward: Engage your back muscles and pull the kettlebells up towards your torso. Your elbows should stay close to your body and point back as you row.
  2. Squeeze at the Top: Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the kettlebells back to the starting position, resisting the urge to drop them.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Back: Think about using your back muscles to lift the weight, not just your arms.
  • Hip Hinge: Maintain a strong hip hinge throughout the movement. Your hips should move back as you lower the kettlebells and forward as you pull them up.
  • Neutral Spine: Keep your back flat and avoid rounding your shoulders forward.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your body as you row the kettlebells up.

Common mistakes: Rounding the back, rotating the torso excessively, and pulling with the wrist instead of the elbow.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

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Pull Up Bar

chin up

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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)

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Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

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Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

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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

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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)

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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

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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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