VARIATIONS

Dumbbell Deadlift to Upright Row

Elbows lead a vertical pull toward the chin

This compound movement strengthens the posterior chain and targets the upper back and shoulders through a continuous pulling motion.

HOW TO DO IT

  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells in front of your thighs.
  2. Hinge at the hips to lower weights while keeping your back flat.
  3. Drive through your heels to return to a standing position.
  4. Pull the dumbbells vertically toward your chin, leading with your elbows.
  5. Lower the weights under control to reset for the next repetition.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Rounding the lower back during the deadlift portion.
  • Using momentum to swing the weights up instead of muscle power.
  • Flaring elbows out too wide at the top of the row.

TIPS

  • Keep the dumbbells close to your body throughout the entire range of motion.
  • Initiate the row by driving your elbows high rather than pulling with hands.
  • Maintain a neutral spine during the hinge phase to protect the lower back.

SAFETY

  • Avoid shrugging shoulders excessively at the top to prevent impingement risk.
  • Do not round the spine when hinging forward under load.

DETAILS

Muscles
Lower BackBack
Equipment
Dumbbell
Type
Strength Training
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tracked as
Weight & Reps

TECHNIQUE

Base movement
Deadlift
Combined with
Upright row
Load position
At the sides
Arms
Both
Legs
Both
Hand orientation
Pronated (palms down / away)
Body position
Standing
Stance
Shoulder-width

SIMILAR EXERCISES

Dumbbell Deadlift to Upright Row · 1/2

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