Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row
Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row is a beginner compound dumbbell exercise that mainly works your upper back, with help from your biceps, lats and shoulders.


How to do the bent over two-dumbbell row
- With a dumbbell in each hand (palms facing your torso), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward by bending at the waist; as you bend make sure to keep your back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The weights should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.
- While keeping the torso stationary, lift the dumbbells to your side (as you breathe out), keeping the elbows close to the body (do not exert any force with the forearm other than holding the weights). On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.
- Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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What muscles does the bent over two-dumbbell row work?
It mainly works your upper back; your biceps, lats and shoulders assist.
How many sets and reps of bent over two-dumbbell row should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the bent over two-dumbbell row good for beginners?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.