Question about Dumbell Rows?

[bouncy1920]

When I'm doing the dumbells rows (bent over, back straight, shoulders supposedly retracted) I feel a lot of work in my triceps and none in my back...Am I doing something wrong?

Anyone's help is appreciated-I know Cathe is busy.

Thanks!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Bouncy! Its hard to tell you exactly without watching you during your pulling action.

Try doing one arm dumbbell rows with your body supported (ie: left knee bent and left hand on a bench).

Now put the heaviest weight you can safely and effectively handle for 12 reps in your right hand. Lower down your right arm and as you pull it up, keep it close to your side (don't let elbow flare).

Heres a helpful tip to try.....Rather than bending/folding your arm up along side your right rib cage as you pull, put your emphasis on your elbow. Try imagining that you are leading the pull with your elbow. So your elbow looks like it is making a controlled little arc as it comes upward. This sometimes helps to mentally shift the focus more toward feeling it in the lats.

Hope this helps!

 

[FiddleFit]

Cathe, you describe this move so well in the Slow & Heavy workout, much like you do here. Your instruction there really helped me figure out how to do them right. I love the SH series, both for the workout, and for all of the detailed instruction you give. Thanks for doing such a good job!

Sandra

 

[JuliaBelle]

The lightbulb finally clicked on for me with dumbell rows when I heard Cathe say "pull the dumbell up along your thigh" or something of that nature. My point is that I was pulling the dumbell up parallel with my waist before but when I started pulling it along my thigh and keeping it close to my body I felt it more in my lats. HTH, Julia

 

[bouncy1920]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE QUICK RESPONSE!!!