Two-Arm Kettlebell Row
A intermediate strength exercise for the upper back, done with a kettlebell.


- 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
- 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.
- 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
| 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 |
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
Kettlebell Sumo High PullKettlebell · Intermediate
One-Arm Kettlebell RowKettlebell · Intermediate
Alternating Kettlebell RowKettlebell · Intermediate
Alternating Renegade RowKettlebell · Expert
Bent Over Two-Arm Long Bar RowBarbell · Intermediate
Bodyweight Mid RowOther equipment · Intermediate
Lying T-Bar RowMachine · Intermediate
Reverse Grip Bent-Over RowsBarbell · Intermediate
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).