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Push Up Lat Row Workout
The Push Up Lat Row Workout Builds Upper Body and Core Strength

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Created: May 14, 2009

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Push Up with Lat Row Exercise

Push Up with Lat Row Exercise

Jamie McDonald / Getty Images
The push up may just be the best upper body workouts that also builds core strength. This variation of the push up, the push up lat row, adds a dumbbell row to the traditional push up exercise. This modification increases the intensity of the exercise while it activates the core stabilizers and engages the latissimus dorsi (back) muscles.

This is an advanced exercise for building strength. Done properly, this compound exercise uses muscles in the chest, shoulders, arms, back, abs and even the legs.

How to Do a Push Up Lat Row Exercise

  • Start in a push up position with each hand on a dumbbell. Begin with light weights as you perfect your form.
  • Keep you hands directly beneath your shoulders.
  • Balance on your hands and toes with your feet spread wide for stability.
  • Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe without sagging in the middle or arching your back.
  • Before you begin any movement, contract your abs and tighten your core by pulling your belly button toward your spine.
  • Keep a tight core throughout the entire exercise.
  • Inhale as you slowly bend your elbows and lower yourself until your elbows are at a 90 degree angle.
  • Exhale as you begin pushing back up to the start position.
  • Once you return to the start position you will add a dumbbell row.
  • Raise one dumbbell while stabilizing your body with the other arm.
  • Return the dumbbell gently to the ground and repeat another push up.
  • Continue the push up row motion alternating arms.
  • At the top of the row motion, the dumbbell should be close to your chest and elbow pointing upward.
  • Keep your hips stable; don't rotate the torso as you perform the row.
  • Repeat for as many repetitions as your workout routine require
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