All Exercises

Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row

Perform the Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row to build a strong back, shoulders, and core.

Advanced
Compound
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

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

  1. 1
    Setup

    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.

  2. 2
    Setup

    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. 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. 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. 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

Related Exercises

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