All Exercises

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.

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set1 min rest

Description

A weight training exercise that targets the muscles in the back, specifically the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids. It also works the biceps and shoulders to a lesser extent.

How to Do Kettlebell One Arm Row

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand beside a sturdy bench or box with a kettlebell placed on the floor directly beneath your working arm's shoulder.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Place your non-working hand and the knee of the same side onto the bench, keeping your torso roughly parallel to the floor and your core braced.

  3. 3
    Setup

    With a neutral spine, grasp the kettlebell with an overhand grip, allowing your arm to hang fully extended towards the floor.

  4. 4

    Exhale as you pull the kettlebell upwards towards your hip, driving your elbow towards the ceiling and squeezing your shoulder blade.

  5. 5

    Inhale as you slowly and with control lower the kettlebell back to the starting position, fully extending your arm.

Tips

  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the entire movement; avoid rounding or hyperextending your lower back to protect your spine.
  • Focus on initiating the pull with your back muscles, specifically your latissimus dorsi, rather than relying solely on your biceps.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase of the movement by resisting gravity, which enhances muscle growth and prevents injury.
  • Keep your core tightly braced to prevent any rotational movement in your torso, ensuring stability and maximizing back engagement.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding the back: Maintain a neutral spine by engaging your core and keeping your chest up, preventing unnecessary strain.
  • ×Using excessive momentum: Reduce the weight if necessary and focus on a controlled, deliberate pull and lower, eliminating swinging.
  • ×Shrugging the shoulder: Keep your working shoulder packed down and away from your ear, focusing the effort on your lats and mid-back.

Variations

Related Exercises

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