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One-Arm Dumbbell Row

Both sides · L/R
One-Arm Dumbbell RowOne-Arm Dumbbell Row
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At a glance

Equipment
Single dumbbell + flat bench
Suggested hold
3 sets of 8–12 reps per arm

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Common mistakes

  • You rotate the torso open at the top to hoist the dumbbell higher, twisting instead of rowing.

  • You row the dumbbell up to the shoulder with a flared elbow rather than back toward the hip.

  • You jerk the weight up with a shrug and let gravity take it down, skipping the controlled negative.

  • You round through the supporting side and let the braced shoulder collapse toward the bench.

What to focus on

  • Keep both shoulders square to the floor; imagine balancing a cup of water on your lower back.

  • Let the shoulder blade drop and reach at the bottom, then start the pull by drawing it back before the elbow bends.

  • Drag the elbow along your side toward the hip and pause briefly with the dumbbell at your ribs.

Related strength moves

Sources & further reading

  1. 1.The single-arm row adds an anti-rotation (torsional) demand on the trunk that two-handed rows don't impose J. Strength and Conditioning Research (2009), Fenwick, Brown & McGill