How to do a Renegade Row
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
Workouts with Renegade Row
Instructions for Proper Form
Renegade Row is a compound exercise that primarily targets your back, shoulders, and core. The movement involves holding a plank position with a dumbbell in each hand and performing a row on each side. This exercise adds instability from the plank, forcing you to engage your core for stability while performing the rows. It's great for developing overall strength and functional fitness.
- Grab ahold of a pair of dumbbells and position them underneath your shoulders with your arms extended and your palms facing each other.
- Lift your torso and hips off the ground to created a rigid straight line from your shoulders to your heels and place your feet shoulder width apart.
- Place your weight into your left hand to bend your right elbow past your side until the right dumbbell reaches the side of your torso.
- Return the dumbbell to the starting position and repeat with the opposite side.
Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator
Average Renegade Row standards by male, female, weight, age and height
Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.
- beginner8reps20lbs1 Rep Max25lbs
- intermediate8reps22.5lbs30lbs
- advanced8reps25lbs30lbs
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Alternatives & Variations to Renegade Row
1. Dumbbell Bent Over Row
94.4 mSCORESWAPPED 2,060 TIMESDumbbell Bent Over Row is a compound exercise that primarily targets the back, but also hits biceps. The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for any discrepancies in strength between sides, as well as adds more instability to the movement compared to equipment like barbells. This can be a great addition to any back workout for building muscle mass and strength.
2. Dumbbell Row
99.9 mSCORESWAPPED 1,677 TIMESThis compound movement primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps, as well as requiring some core activation for stability. By bracing yourself on the flat bench, you can position your torso parallel to the ground, without needing specific equipment. This is a great exercise with or without limited equipment, and a staple in many back workouts.
3. Dumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly
81.9 mSCORESWAPPED 1,296 TIMESDumbbell Bent Over Reverse Fly is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the posterior deltoids (back of the shoulder). The use of dumbbells helps prevent compensating for strength discrepancies between sides. Leaning forward during the exercise allows for better isolation of the targeted shoulder muscles while also recruiting some muscle activation in the upper back.
4. Lat Pulldown
100 mSCORESWAPPED 855 TIMESThis compound exercise primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps. The movement itself is based on a Pull Up, however, by locking your legs into place, you can add significantly more stability to the movement making it easier to complete a rep, as well as getting control over the resistance. This exercise can be easily adapted to meet your needs with different handles.
5. Cable Row
99.8 mSCORESWAPPED 795 TIMESCable Row is a compound movement that primarily targets your back, but also hits your shoulders and biceps. This exercise is often done with a specific cable machine that sets you into the perfect position, but you can also use an adjustable cable to have more control over the direction your resistance is coming from. This is a great exercise for building muscle mass and strength in your back, and is a common addition to most upper body or pull workouts.
6. Incline Dumbbell Row
90.5 mSCORESWAPPED 526 TIMESThis is a compound exercise that primarily targets your back. It’s a variation on the more standard Bent Over Row, that uses an incline bench to stabilize your upper body. This added stability ensures that you can't assist yourself by recruiting other muscle groups. The added stability also allows you to focus on moving the weight rather than stabilizing your upper body in the right position.
7. Bird Dog Rows
69.2 mSCORESWAPPED 509 TIMESBird Dog Rows are a compound movement that primarily targets the back, core, and glutes. This exercise combines a row with a Bird Dog position, adding significant instability that requires strong core activation. It's particularly useful for improving balance, overall stability, and addressing strength imbalances between sides. This is an effective addition for those looking to enhance functional strength and coordination.
8. Gorilla Rows
80.1 mSCORESWAPPED 396 TIMESGorilla Rows are a compound exercise that primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders, biceps, and traps. By alternating sides after each rep, you give your muscles a brief moment to recover in the middle of your set, while also allowing you to focus your attention on the side that’s performing the movement. The posture this exercise puts you in can help you develop functional strength outside of just the rowing movement as well.
- Intermediate
- Back
- Kettlebells
9. Bent Over Barbell Row
97.1 mSCORESWAPPED 323 TIMESBent Over Barbell row is a compound movement that primarily targets your back, but also hits your shoulders, traps, and biceps. The use of a barbell adds more stability to this movement compared to something like dumbbells which can help you focus on exerting strength rather than stabilizing the movement. It’s a great exercise for building strength, and can be a way to start learning more advanced exercises like Olympic Lifts.
10. Kettlebell Alternating Row
65.1 mSCORESWAPPED 297 TIMESKettlebell Alternating Row is a compound exercise that primarily targets the back, but also hits the shoulders and biceps. By alternating sides after each rep, you give your muscles a brief moment to recover in the middle of your set, while also allowing you to focus your attention on the side that’s performing the movement. This is a great exercise for building muscle mass and strength.