How to Do a One-Arm Dumbbell Row

The one-arm dumbbell row is a good addition to any dumbbell workout. This movement targets the upper and lower back, shoulders, biceps, and hips while improving core stability. Five different joint actions take place in this compound exercise. Beginners can use light weights as they build strength. This is also a good exercise to do as part of a circuit training routine.

How to do a One-Arm Dumbbell Row

Begin with feet hip-distance apart, holding the dumbbell in one hand.

1. Take one step back into a lunge position. Keep a soft bend in your front leg with the knee in line with your ankle and back leg straight. Lean slightly forward, and rest your free hand on your front thigh. Tighten your core by squeezing your belly button in towards your spine. This will give you a good base of support.
2. Lower the dumbbell toward the floor until you have a full extension at the elbow. Maintain proper posture through your shoulders, hips, and lower back. Avoid rounding or arching the lumbar spine.
3. Begin the upward motion of the dumbbell by first sliding your shoulder blade toward your spine and then lifting the weight up toward your torso by driving your elbow to the ceiling. Keep your elbow close to your body as it passes the ribs.
4. Squeeze your shoulder blade in toward the center of back (contracting the rhomboids). At the end of the movement, the dumbbell should be in line with your chest and your elbow should be pointing up toward the ceiling. Be sure to maintain good posture through your spine, shoulders, and hips.
5. Repeat for the appropriate number of repetitions.
6. Switch sides and repeat the same number of repetitions with the opposite arm.
7. Perform two to three sets of the exercise, with a one-minute rest between sets.

Benefits of the One-Arm Dumbbell Row

The main muscle group worked during the single-arm row is the latissimus dorsi (lats). You also engage the entire back, shoulders, and arms (the trapezius, rhomboids, teres major and minor, deltoids, infraspinatus, biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, and even pecs).

By focusing on one arm at a time, you can better isolate the lats and lift the weight higher than during a classic barbell row. Performing single-arm exercises can also build strength in the other arm as you progress in the move. By placing your free hand on your thigh, or another stable surface, you are also able to lift more weight, but keep in mind that the goal of the one-arm row is to reach the maximum range of motion of the movement rather than simply lifting heavier weights.

Keeping your free hand supported on your thigh gives you just enough support to help stabilize your spine and upper body and allows you to concentrate on slow, controlled movements.

Other Variations of One-Arm Dumbbell Row

This exercise can be performed in different ways depending on your needs and skill level.

Incorporate an Exercise Bench

You can perform this exercise with one leg kneeling on an exercise bench and supporting with your free hand on the bench or on your knee. Or, align yourself perpendicular to an exercise bench and place your free hand on the bench to support yourself.

Use a Stability Ball

Balance your free hand on a stability ball instead of using your front leg for support. This increases not only the difficulty of the exercise, but it also engages a number of smaller stabilizer muscles throughout the torso, arms, and shoulders.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these errors so you get the most out of this exercise and prevent strain or injury.

Too Much Weight

Don't lift too much weight when you begin this exercise or you may find that you are focusing exclusively on the lats and neglecting the smaller stabilizer muscles. Start with a lighter weight and more repetitions (between 15 and 20), and squeeze the shoulder blades during the movement to get the shoulders and rhomboids firing. After you master the basic movement through the full range of motion, add weight and decrease the number of repetitions.

Moving Arm Rather Than Shoulder

Move the shoulder blade, not the arm, to initiate the row.

Jerking or Twisting Motion

Avoid jerking the weight or twisting the spine and shoulders. If you are doing this, you are likely using too much weight.

Rounded Back

You must keep the back straight and not curved over throughout the exercise.

Safety and Precautions

Avoid this exercise if you have back or shoulder problems. Shoulder impingement can be a problem with heavy weights or poor form. If pain or inflammation occurs, cease the exercise.

Try It Out

Incorporate this move and similar ones into one of these popular workouts:

• Home full-bod gym dumbbell workout
• Squat, curl, and press workout
• Back and shoulder exercises for strength conditioning