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Exercise guide

Dumbbell Incline Row

How to do the Dumbbell Incline Row with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundDumbbellBeginnerPull
Primary muscles

Mid Back

Secondary

Biceps, Forearms, Lats, Shoulders

Equipment

Dumbbell

Step by step

How to do the Dumbbell Incline Row

  1. 1

    Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.

  2. 2

    Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.

  3. 3

    Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.

  4. 4

    Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Dumbbell Incline Row set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your mid back volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Dumbbell Incline Row fits

The Dumbbell Incline Row shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More mid back exercises

FAQ

Dumbbell Incline Row: common questions

What muscles does the Dumbbell Incline Row work?

The Dumbbell Incline Row primarily works the Mid Back. It also recruits the Biceps, Forearms, Lats and Shoulders as supporting muscles.

Is the Dumbbell Incline Row suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Dumbbell Incline Row is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Incline Row?

To do the Dumbbell Incline Row you'll need a dumbbell.

Is the Dumbbell Incline Row a compound or isolation exercise?

The Dumbbell Incline Row is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the Dumbbell Incline Row with correct form?

Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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