Standing Dumbbell Upright Row
How to do the Standing Dumbbell Upright Row
- 1
Grasp a dumbbell in each hand with a pronated (palms forward) grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The dumbbells should be resting on top of your thighs. Your arms should be extended with a slight bend at the elbows and your back should be straight. This will be your starting position.
- 2
Use your side shoulders to lift the dumbbells as you exhale. The dumbbells should be close to the body as you move it up and the elbows should drive the motion. Continue to lift them until they nearly touch your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the dumbbells, your elbows should always be higher than your forearms. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
- 3
Lower the dumbbells back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
- 4
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
How to program the Standing Dumbbell Upright Row
Sets and reps
As a compound movement, the Standing Dumbbell Upright Row responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.
Progression
The Standing Dumbbell Upright Row is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.
Secondary muscles worked
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Standing Dumbbell Upright Row work?
The Standing Dumbbell Upright Row primarily targets the Traps. It also recruits the Biceps, Shoulders as supporting muscles.
What equipment do I need for the Standing Dumbbell Upright Row?
You need Dumbbell. Difficulty level: Beginner.
How many sets and reps of the Standing Dumbbell Upright Row should I do?
For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.
