Build a Stronger Back with Chest Supported Dumbbell Rows! Want a back that turns heads? Look no further than this exercise. Not only will you gain enviable strength, but you’ll also develop a physique that’s like a perfectly sculpted statue. Ready to unleash your inner Greek god or goddess? Keep reading to discover the secrets of this mighty exercise!
If you want to build a strong and defined back, then you must include chest-supported dumbbell row exercises in your workout routine. This exercise is one of the best and effective exercises for your upper back. It targets your upper back muscles i.e. rhomboids, and your rear deltoids as well as biceps and provides your body with an attractive look.
To perform this exercise, you need a bench and some pair of dumbbells. If you are also eager to develop your back and shoulders well, then you must read this article till the end. Because in this article we have discussed all the things related to chest-supported dumbbell row exercise.

What is a chest supported dumbbell row?
The chest-supported dumbbell row is a compound exercise that is widely used. Specifically, it targets the rhomboids, rear deltoids, and biceps. Some different joints are involved in this exercise which follows the extensive range of motion. Therefore, performing this workout helps your body develop strength and endurance.
The chest-supported dumbbell row is an effective variation exercise. It is unnecessary to perform it standing or bending like other row exercises. To perform this, you have to turn your torso on the incline bench and hold the dumbbells in your hands with your chest support and raise your elbows to the chest. In this, there is no need to stabilize your lower back and hamstrings. This exercise is very effective for targeting the raw back muscles. Due to this, these muscles get tired and start building up.
Chest supported dumbbell row benefits
Chest-supported dumbbell row is one of the best exercises that targets your back muscles. Some of the benefits of including this exercise in your workout routine are:
Increases upper back strength: The chest-supported dumbbell row targets the muscles of the upper back, such as the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and trapezius. Doing this exercise in a regular way can increase the strength of your upper back and improve your posture.
Reduces strain on the lower back: More than any other rowing exercise, the chest-supported dumbbell row provides support for your lower back, reducing your risk of lower back injury and pain.
Improves scapular stabilization: Chest-supported dumbbell rows require scapular stabilization, which improves shoulder range of motion and reduces the risk of injury.
Allows for greater range of motion: Chest-supported dumbbell rows increase the range of motion compared to other rowing exercises by using a bench or other support device to stabilize the chest and shoulders.
Can be adapted for different fitness levels: The chest-supported dumbbell row is easily adapted to different fitness levels by adjusting the weight of the dumbbells or the angle of the bench.
Finally, the chest-supported dumbbell row is a beneficial exercise that improves upper back strength, posture, and shoulder mobility while reducing the risk of injury.
Chest supported dumbbell row muscles worked

- Rhomboids: These muscles are situated between the shoulder blades and work to pull the scapulae (shoulder blades) towards the spine.
- Trapezius: Trapezius is a large diamond-shaped muscle that covers much of the upper back and is responsible for performing movements such as elevation, depression, and retraction of the scapulae.
- Rear deltoids: Rear deltoids are responsible for shoulder extension and external rotation.
- Latissimus dorsi: Lats is a large muscle that extends from the upper arm bone to the lower back and is responsible for various movements such as shoulder adduction and extension.
How to perform a chest supported dumbbell row
To perform a chest supported db row, follow these steps:
- Set an incline bench to about a 45-degree angle and lie face down on it with your feet firmly on the ground.
- Hold a pair of dumbbells with your palms facing each other and your arms hanging straight down towards the floor.
- Contract your shoulder blades and row the dumbbells up towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your sides and your wrists straight.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of reps.
Common mistakes to avoid while performing the exercise
To make the most of your chest supported dumbbell rows and avoid injury, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:
- Raising your elbows too high or flaring them out to the sides, which can put unnecessary strain on your shoulder joints
- Using momentum to lift the dumbbells, which can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and increase the risk of injury
- Letting your shoulders hunch up towards your ears or arching your back, which can put unnecessary strain on your neck and spine
- Using too heavy of a weight, which can compromise your form and increase the risk of injury.
Variations of chest supported dumbbell row
There are several variations of the chest supported db row that you can incorporate into your workout routine including:
- Single-arm chest supported dumbbell row: This variation involves rowing one arm at a time, allowing you to focus on each side of your back independently.
- Inverted chest supported dumbbell row: This variation involves lying face up on an inverted bench and rowing the dumbbells towards your chest from a different angle.
- Wide-grip chest supported dumbbell row: This variation involves holding the dumbbells with a wider grip to target your lats and rear delts more.
Chest supported dumbbell row workout routine
Here’s an example workout routine that incorporates chest supported dumbbell rows:
- Warm up: Perform some light cardio or dynamic stretching to get your blood flowing and prepare your muscles for exercise.
- Chest supported dumbbell rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- Lat pulldowns: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- Seated cable rows: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
- Face pulls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
- Cool down: Perform some static stretching to help reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility.
Tips to make the most of your chest supported dumbbell row workout
Here are some tips to help you optimize your chest supported dumbbell row workout:
- Focus on form: Make sure you’re performing the exercise with proper form, keeping your elbows close to your sides and squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
- Use a weight that challenges you, but allows you to maintain good form: Using a weight that’s too heavy can compromise your form and increase the risk of injury.
- Incorporate other back exercises: To get a well-rounded back workout, be sure to incorporate other exercises that target different areas of your back, such as lat pulldowns and seated cable rows.
- Gradually increase the weight and reps: As you become stronger, gradually increase the weight and reps to continue making progress and challenging your muscles.
- Rest and recover: Give your muscles time to rest and recover between workouts to avoid overtraining and reduce the risk of injury.
Chest supported dumbbell row vs other back exercises
Chest supported dumbbell row is a great exercise that helps you target your upper back muscles, but keep in mind that you need to include other back exercises in your workout to target your entire back area. it occurs. We have listed some more popular back exercises that compare to the chest supported dumbbell row:
- Bent-over row: This exercise is similar to the dumbbell row, but is performed in a standing position and targets your lower back muscles as well as your upper back.
- Lat pulldowns: This exercise targets your latissimus dorsi (lats), which are the large muscles on either side of your back.
- Seated cable rows: This exercise targets your middle and lower back muscles and can be performed with various hand positions to target different areas of your back.
- Pull-ups: This exercise targets your upper back muscles and is a great bodyweight exercise for building strength and muscle.
Chest supported dumbbell row alternative
If you don’t have access to a chest-supported dumbbell row machine or bench, there are several alternative exercises that you can do to target the same muscle groups. Here are a few options:
Inverted Rows
This exercise is similar to the chest-supported dumbbell row but uses a barbell or suspension trainer. To perform the inverted row exercise, you must lie on your back under a suspension trainer, grab the bar or handles with an overhand grip, and pull your chest up to the bar. Then come back to the starting position and repeat this exercise.
One-Arm Dumbbell Row
This exercise targets the same muscles as the chest-supported dumbbell row but requires more core stability. To perform it with one arm:
- Place one hand and thigh on a bench or a sturdy surface.
- Grip a dumbbell and pull it toward your mat, keeping your elbow close to your body.
- After this, bring the dumbbell back down and repeat this exercise.
Seated Cable Rows
To perform Cable Machine Row. This exercise also targets the back muscles, like the chest-supported dumbbell row. But a cable machine is used to perform this exercise. Sitting on the bench, turn toward the cable machine, grab the handles with both hands and pull the handles toward your chest. Keeping your back straight, keep your elbows close to your body. Then bring the handle down and repeat this exercise in the same process.
T-Bar Rows
This exercise also targets the back muscles, just like the chest-supported dumbbell row, but a T-bar machine or barbell is used to perform this exercise. To perform the T-bar row exercise, place one end of the barbell in a corner or landmine attachment and grasp the other end with both hands. And pull the barbell towards your chest and keep your elbows close to your body, then bring your barbell down and repeat this exercise.
Note: Remember to choose an alternative exercise that suits your fitness level and experience. If you’re unsure how to do any of these exercises, it’s always a good idea to seek the guidance of a certified personal trainer.
Conclusion
Including the chest supported dumbbell row in your workout routine can make your upper back muscles more muscular, which is a very effective exercise. Following the tips mentioned in this article, you can achieve your fitness goals and build a strong body.
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Disclaimer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are chest supported dumbbell rows good?
Yes, chest supported dumbbell rows are a great exercise that can help you build upper back and size of your body. This exercise targets the muscles of your upper back such as the rhomboids, rear deltoids and trapezius muscles. This exercise is more effective with a barbell than with dumbbells, which provide more range of motion. Which can help target muscles more effectively.