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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:
- Kettlebell Placement: Place two kettlebells on the floor in front of you, shoulder-width apart.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outwards.
- 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.
- Grip: Grasp the kettlebell handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
The Lift:
- 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.
- Squeeze at the Top: Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
- 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
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Row Cable
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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
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Barbell
barbell bent over row
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Cable
cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)
BackRear Shoulder
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BackRear Shoulder
Barbell
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Bench
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Front Pulldown
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Dumbbell
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Barbell
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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)
BackRear Shoulder
None
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None
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Row Cable
cable seated row(rope)
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Rings
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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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