All Exercises

Dumbbell Renegade Row

The Dumbbell Renegade Row combines a push-up with a challenging row, building full-body stability, core strength, and upper body power.

Advanced
Compound
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

This exercise strengthens your upper body and core by combining a push-up with a strong row movement.

How to Do Dumbbell Renegade Row

  1. 1
    Setup

    Place two dumbbells on the floor, shoulder-width apart, and assume a high plank position with your hands gripping the dumbbells, palms facing each other.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Ensure your body forms a straight line from head to heels, feet hip-width apart for stability, and engage your core tightly.

  3. 3

    Keeping your hips square and core braced, pull one dumbbell towards your chest, leading with your elbow and squeezing your shoulder blade.

  4. 4

    Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the floor with control, maintaining your stable plank position.

  5. 5

    Repeat the rowing motion on the opposite side, alternating arms while keeping your body as still as possible throughout the movement.

Tips

  • Maintain a wide stance with your feet for increased stability, helping to minimize hip rotation during the rowing motion.
  • Focus on pulling the dumbbell by driving your elbow towards the ceiling, actively squeezing your shoulder blade to engage your lats and upper back effectively.
  • Control the eccentric phase; slowly lower the dumbbell back to the floor, resisting gravity to maximize muscle time under tension and improve stability.
  • Keep your gaze slightly forward or down to maintain a neutral neck alignment, preventing strain and promoting proper spinal posture.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Allowing your hips to rotate excessively during the row compromises core stability; fix this by widening your foot stance and intensely bracing your glutes and core.
  • ×Jerking the dumbbell up with momentum instead of controlled muscle contraction reduces effectiveness; fix this by selecting a lighter weight and focusing on a slow, deliberate pull.
  • ×Letting your hips sag or arching your lower back during the plank portion strains your spine; fix this by actively engaging your core and glutes to maintain a rigid, straight body line.

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