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Unilateral Dumbbell Rows

Muscles worked

  • Rear Shoulder
  • Middle Traps
  • Trapezius
  • Lat
  • Forearm Flexors
  • Rear Neck
  • Side Shoulder
  • Bicep

Equipment

Dumbbells
Dumbbells

Form Cues

  • Place one hand and the same-side knee on a flat bench for support — keep your back flat and parallel to the floor with a neutral spine

  • Hold the dumbbell in the free hand with the arm hanging straight down, shoulder directly above the hand

  • Before pulling, retract the working shoulder blade slightly to pre-engage the back muscles

  • Row the dumbbell up toward the hip or lower rib cage, driving the elbow straight back and up past the torso — do not let the elbow flare out wide

  • Squeeze the shoulder blade in hard at the top, hold briefly, then lower the dumbbell with control over 2 seconds to a full arm extension

  • Keep your torso stable and square to the floor — resist the urge to rotate your body to lift the weight higher

  • Perform all reps on one side before switching — use the same weight and rep count on both sides for balanced development

Common mistakes

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