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Two-Arm Kettlebell Row

A intermediate strength exercise for the upper back, done with a kettlebell.

Two-Arm Kettlebell Row: starting positionTwo-Arm Kettlebell Row: finishing position
Main muscles
Upper back
Also works
Biceps and Lats
Equipment
Kettlebell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Movement
Pull

How to do the Two-Arm Kettlebell Row

  1. Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and then push your butt out as much as possible as you bend over to get in the starting position.
  2. Grab both kettlebells and pull them to your stomach, retracting your shoulder blades and flexing the elbows. Keep your back straight. Lower and repeat.

Sets and reps

Strength3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Two-Arm Kettlebell Row

Questions

What muscles does the Two-Arm Kettlebell Row work?

Mainly the upper back, with the biceps and lats helping.

Is the Two-Arm Kettlebell Row good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can build up to it with a simpler variation first.

What can I do instead of the Two-Arm Kettlebell Row?

Good alternatives that train the upper back: Kettlebell Sumo High Pull, One-Arm Kettlebell Row, Alternating Kettlebell Row or Alternating Renegade Row.

How many sets and reps of the Two-Arm Kettlebell Row should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).