Exercise · Upper body

Rows

  • Strength

Works: Upper back, the backs of your shoulders, and arms.

Add to a routineUsed in 8 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of rows: leaning forward with a flat back and a weight in each hand, arms hanging, then elbows pulled back past the ribs.
  1. Hold a weight in each hand, such as dumbbells or full water bottles. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees soft.
  2. Lean forward from your hips until your body is at about 45 degrees, back flat and arms hanging down.
  3. Pull your elbows back past your ribs, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  4. Lower slowly to straight arms.

Watch out for

Rounding your back, jerking the weights, and shrugging.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1Bottle rows: a full water bottle in each hand.
  2. 2Rows with dumbbells.
  3. 3Pause rows: hold for two seconds with your elbows back.
  4. 4Heavier weights.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.