Back · Dumbbell · Compound · Beginner

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row, start position
Start
Standing Dumbbell Upright Row, end position
End
FrontBack
PrimarySecondary
Main muscles
Traps
Also working
Biceps, Shoulders

How to do it

  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.

Swaps on other equipment

Each has the traps as its main muscle and is also a pull, on a different piece of equipment.

Other trap exercises

Steps and photos from the public-domain Free Exercise DB, not individually reviewed. How this site is put together · Report a mistake