Dumbell row

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Bakedgoods

Capodecina
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I feel my dumbell row is limited by my hands. Having some problems becuase i've got relatively small hands so all the weight is sitting awkwardly on my fingers and it's generally my fingers wearing out long before the muscles i'm targetting.

Should I just try find a small dumbell with a different circumference?
 
Wardie said:
I feel my dumbell row is limited by my hands. Having some problems becuase i've got relatively small hands so all the weight is sitting awkwardly on my fingers and it's generally my fingers wearing out long before the muscles i'm targetting.

Should I just try find a small dumbell with a different circumference?
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How heavy are the DBs?

In my current gym they only go as high as 32KG, and I'll be using those tonight, so goodness knows what I'll use then :(

Could you try doing Barbell Rows instead? Or failing that, try using a pair of gloves with a strap?
 
The Mad Rapper said:
How heavy are the DBs?

In my current gym they only go as high as 32KG, and I'll be using those tonight, so goodness knows what I'll use then :(

Could you try doing Barbell Rows instead? Or failing that, try using a pair of gloves with a strap?
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Gloves just make it harder to get a tight grip right round the dumbell. Remember i'm only around 5'4 and 60KG so my hands are small too :p

31KG dumbell.

I do bent-over barbell rows and the dumbell rows are only there because I can't do pull ups at the moment.
 
Why can't you do pull-ups? Injury or equipment based?

If you do barbell rows then there really isn't any need to do dumbell rows.I suffer from small hands too and even though I can pull more weight I'm stuck at 47.5kg because of my grip.I can deadlift fine..it just seems to be the dumbell rows.

You'll struggle to find a bar with a narrower circumference..they are standard bars.I say drop them.
 
I'd agree with ExRayTed. I view DB Rows as one of the least productive exercises for the back.

They're the leg extentions, DB Flyes, Lat Raise of the back world. By that I mean why do them when you can do Squats, Bench Press, Military Press? Deadlifts, Bent Over Rows, T-Bar Rows, Pull Ups, Chins, Pulldowns, Cable Rows are all superior as they allow you to lift much more weight. The back is a big muscle group, it responds to big weights :)

If you're limited by gym equipment then I'd say get some lifting straps, they can be bought for about £3 and would help you greatly ;)
 
The Mad Rapper said:
Don't Bent Over Rows put a strain on your lower back?
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Not if you do them right ;)

I find not bending over a full 90 degree's helps take strain of the back aswell as bending the knee's. Keep the bar close to the body helps even more.
 
Chong Warrior said:
You mean neider?

Totally different mate but that is an awesome exercise :)

btw have you checked your mail?
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Yep Nieder press sorry. I'm not an experienced solo free-weighter, I've always had a training partner in the past but now I'm by myself its a bit more of a challenge - I know what exercises to do (for rowing mainly), but not always confident about my form.

Got your email, thanks :)
 
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Cable rows are a good choice, but as said, theres no need for more then 1 rowing exercise, whats the rest of your routine like?

If you cant do pull ups, only way to improve is to do them ;)
 
I love DB rows!! Feel a much better contraction in my back than with bent over rows (which i find really awkward).

Wardie - Get yourself a block of chalk, a set sweat bands for you wrists and a pair of straps.

I usually do DB rows after weighted pullups so my hands are already lightly chalked but not having the DB slip will help get an extra couple of reps. I wear the sweat bands to give some padding to my wrists. I hold the DB close to the plates at the "top" end and allow it to tip slightly, this should help as the friction helps carry the weight a little. Finally, when all else fails, use the straps but only when your grip is totally shot. If you're aiming for 8 reps and your grip fails after 6, take a breath, push your hand hard into the bar, grip it and do the last 2 reps. I usually find that with straps i can do 12reps on a 3rd or 4th set when all others were 8 reps and limited by grip.

I find setting the bench on its first incline helps keep my back flat and i always look at the floor. As soon as you raise your head you're pulling the spine and muscles around it out of position = ouch!! :( ;)
 
Hah never heard of that one. Must have real small hands lol. I wear gloves, I can grip the DB fine but the gloves help prevent my hands getting absolutly shredded and callouses everywhere.
 
MTA99 said:
I love DB rows!! Feel a much better contraction in my back than with bent over rows (which i find really awkward).
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I'm enjoying the dumbell rows at the mo too. Definitely feeling a better contraction in the back with these over BB rows. They're especially good when you hold the top position a couple of secs and really contract the lats too. Gotta love training back :cool:
 
Jeffstar said:
I'm enjoying the dumbell rows at the mo too. Definitely feeling a better contraction in the back with these over BB rows. They're especially good when you hold the top position a couple of secs and really contract the lats too. Gotta love training back :cool:
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See too many people pulling it with their arms not lifting with their back (if that makes sense).

Just off to train back now!! :D
 
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