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Reverse Grip Bent-Over Dumbbell Row 101 Video Tutorial

Strength Gym Main Variation

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Reverse Grip Bent-Over Dumbbell Row
Reverse Grip Bent-Over Dumbbell Row

Exercise Synopsis

Target Muscle Group

Upper Back

Secondary Targets

Execution

Compound

Force Type

Pull

Required Equipment

Dumbbell

Fitness Level

Intermediate

Variations

None

Alternatives

None

Timer

Hour

Minute

Second

Stopwatch

00:00:00:00

Overview

The Reverse Grip Bent-Over Dumbbell Row primarily targets the upper back, with secondary emphasis on the biceps, lats, and shoulders. To perform this exercise, hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing upward (supine grip), bend at the hips to a 45-degree angle, and keep your back straight. Pull the dumbbells towards your torso, squeezing your shoulder blades together, and lower them back down with control. This movement engages the muscles of the upper back, improving posture and strength, while also providing a great workout for the biceps, lats, and shoulders.

How to Perform

  1. Choose the correct dumbbells based on your fitness level and place them on the floor in front of you.

  2. Bend your knees slightly while maintaining a straight back, squat down to grip the dumbbells with an underhand grip (palms facing up).

  3. Stand up and hinge at your hips, keeping your back flat and your core engaged. Let the dumbbells slide down along your thighs until they are positioned just below your knees.

  4. Begin the movement by pulling the dumbbells toward your torso, bringing them as close as possible to your chest while squeezing your shoulder blades together.

  5. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout.

  6. Continue for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring proper form to maximize the benefits for your upper back, biceps, lats, and shoulders.

Tips

  1. Maintain a straight back throughout the movement, with your shoulder blades retracted and your gaze directed forward.

  2. As you lift the dumbbells, ensure your elbows stay close to your body, preventing them from flaring out.

  3. At the top of the lift, contract your shoulder blades together, focusing on the squeeze to engage your upper back fully.

How Not to Perform

  1. Avoid Rounding Your Back: Never round your back or hunch forward during the exercise. Always keep your spine neutral and your chest up to avoid strain on your lower back. This ensures the focus stays on your upper back muscles.

  2. Don’t Use Momentum: Refrain from jerking or swinging the dumbbells up. Instead, use a slow, controlled movement to lift the weight. Using momentum can lead to poor muscle engagement and increase the risk of injury.

  3. Avoid Flaring Your Elbows Out: Keep your elbows close to your sides throughout the movement. Letting your elbows flare outward reduces the effectiveness of the exercise and shifts the focus away from the upper back muscles.

  4. Don’t Lift Too Heavy: Using weights that are too heavy can lead to poor form. Select a weight that allows you to perform the exercise with proper technique and control, focusing on engaging the target muscles without straining.

  5. Avoid Looking Up or Down: Keep your neck aligned with your spine. Looking too far up or down can strain your neck and disrupt the natural movement pattern.

  6. Don’t Rush the Negative Phase: Lower the dumbbells slowly and with control. Rushing through the lowering phase can reduce muscle engagement and diminish the effectiveness of the exercise.

  7. Avoid Locking Your Knees: Keeping your knees locked while bent over can strain your joints. Slightly bend your knees to keep your body in a stable, comfortable position.

  8. Don’t Let Your Shoulders Rise: Avoid shrugging your shoulders upward as you pull the dumbbells. This shifts the focus away from the upper back and biceps. Keep your shoulders relaxed and engaged during the movement.

Variations

Variations of fitness exercises refer to different ways of performing a specific exercise or movement to target various muscle groups, intensities, or goals. These variations aim to challenge the body differently, prevent plateaus, and cater to individuals with varying fitness levels.

Alternatives

Alternative exercises in fitness refer to different movements or activities that target similar muscle groups or serve the same training purpose as the primary exercise. These alternative exercises can be used as substitutes when the original exercise is unavailable or challenging to perform due to various reasons such as equipment limitations, injuries, or personal preferences.

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