Chest Supported Dumbbell Row

A chest-supported dumbbell row targeting the upper back, lats, and rear delts. Reduces lower-back involvement while building horizontal pulling strength and back thickness.

Also known as: DB chest supported row, dumbbell chest supported row, chest supported dumbbell rows, DB row on incline bench, dumbbell row on bench

Beginner Compound DumbbellsAdjustable bench

How to do the Chest Supported Dumbbell Row

  1. Set an incline bench high enough for your arms to hang freely below your shoulders.
  2. Lie face down with your chest supported and feet planted wide for balance.
  3. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms hanging straight and palms facing inward.
  4. Set your neck neutral and let your shoulder blades reach slightly at the bottom.
  5. Row the dumbbells upward by driving your elbows back and slightly out from your sides.
  6. Bring the weights beside your lower ribs or upper waist without lifting your chest off the pad.
  7. Lower the dumbbells until your arms are fully extended and your shoulders open at the bottom.

Common mistakes

  • Lifting chest off the bench
  • Shrugging through the top
  • Rowing too high toward shoulders
  • Cutting off the bottom stretch
  • Swinging the dumbbells upward

Form cues

  • Keep chest on pad
  • Lead with the elbows
  • Row toward lower ribs
  • Let shoulders reach below
  • Keep neck neutral

Substitutes & similar