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Dumbbell Chest-Supported Row

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Intermediate

Chest-supported row using dumbbells to target the lats and upper back for thickness; minimizes lower back strain by stabilizing the torso on an incline bench.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Incline Bench

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Biceps, Forearms

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Traps

8/10

Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

7/10

Rear Delts

Biceps

5/10

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set an incline bench to 30–45 degrees. Lie face down with your chest supported, feet planted firmly, and hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms hanging straight down.

  1. Retract your shoulder blades and drive your elbows back toward your hips.
  2. Pull the dumbbells until your elbows pass your torso.
  3. Squeeze your upper back muscles at the top.
  4. Lower the weights under control to full arm extension.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with elbows
  • Chest on pad
  • Squeeze at top
  • Control the descent

Breathing

Exhale as you pull the weights up; inhale as you lower them.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

From full arm extension at the bottom to elbows pulling past the torso at the top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the bench is stable before starting
  • Keep neck neutral to avoid strain

Spotting

Not recommended; simply drop the weights if failure is reached.

Common Mistakes

  • Lifting chest off bench
  • Using momentum
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Incomplete range of motion

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder extension
  • Thoracic spine mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic pulling mechanics
  • Stable core engagement

Also known as

Incline Dumbbell Row, Prone Dumbbell Row, Chest Supported Row, Incline Bench Row

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