Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row
Perform the Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row to build a strong back, shoulders, and core.
Description
A full-body kettlebell exercise that targets the muscles in your back, shoulders, and core while improving your balance.
How to Do Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row
- 1Setup
Place two kettlebells on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Get into a high plank position with your hands gripping the kettlebell handles, feet hip-width apart, and body forming a straight line from head to heels.
- 2Setup
Engage your core, glutes, and lats to stabilize your body and prevent any rocking or twisting. Ensure your wrists are straight and stacked directly over the kettlebells.
- 3
While maintaining a rigid plank, exhale and pull one kettlebell upwards towards your hip, keeping your elbow close to your body and squeezing your shoulder blade.
- 4
Briefly hold at the top, then slowly and with control, lower the kettlebell back to the floor, resisting any rotational movement in your torso.
- 5
Inhale as you return the kettlebell to the starting position. Immediately repeat the pulling motion on the opposite side, alternating arms with each repetition.
Tips
- Maintain a narrow stance: A wider foot stance increases stability, but a narrower stance (closer to hip-width) challenges your core more, improving anti-rotation strength.
- Control the descent: Don't just drop the kettlebell; actively resist gravity on the way down to maximize muscle engagement and prevent momentum from taking over.
- Focus on anti-rotation: The primary challenge is preventing your hips and shoulders from rotating; imagine a glass of water on your lower back that you don't want to spill.
- Grip strength: If grip is a limiting factor, consider using lighter kettlebells or incorporating grip exercises into your routine to improve endurance for longer sets.
Common Mistakes
- ×Rocking the hips: People often twist their hips excessively during the pull; brace your core and glutes tightly to keep your hips square to the floor.
- ×Flaring the elbow: Allowing the elbow to swing out wide reduces lat engagement and puts strain on the shoulder; keep your elbow tucked close to your body as you row.
- ×Hunching the back: Losing a neutral spine posture rounds the upper back; maintain a strong, straight line from head to heels by engaging your core and lats throughout the movement.
Variations

Kettlebell Two Arm Row
Perform the Kettlebell Two Arm Row to strengthen your entire back, biceps, and shoulders.

Kettlebell One Arm Row
Strengthen your back and improve core stability with the Kettlebell One Arm Row. This unilateral exercise builds muscle and corrects imbalances.

Kettlebell Bent over Alternate Twist Row
Build a strong, sculpted back and core with the Kettlebell Bent Over Alternate Twist Row.

Kettlebell Alternating Row
Build a strong, sculpted back and core with the Kettlebell Alternating Row. This dynamic exercise targets your lats, traps, and core for improved posture
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Assisted Standing Triceps Dip
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Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.
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