04.27.11
Rowing Correctly: The Reality
Doing rows for your back seems like a relatively simple exercise, but there are a few things about the form that most people (including myself) miss.
What not to do:
- lifting the dumbbell as if you’re doing the same motion to start your lawn mower.
- pulling the dumbbell in a completely vertical motion.
- making a jerking motion.
The most common mistake I see people make is when they jerk the dumbbell to their chest, making the motion more of a lower back exercise than anything else. When you jerk the dumbbell around, or pull it like you’re trying to start a lawn mower, you not only look stupid – you are detracting from getting any worthwhile exercise.
What you should do:
- pull the dumbbell at a steady pace.
- bring the dumbbell up at a diagonal angle, with the dumbbell stopping near your hip.
By bringing the dumbbell up in a diagonal angle toward your hip, you better utilize your latissimus dorsi, which is one of the main points of doing the exercise!
This video shows a good steady pace and body form, but the motion is vertical. Remember: the dumbbell should stop near your hip!