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Best Back Workouts With Kettlebells To Build Strength

About

Kettlebells offer a unique advantage due to the offset weight, promoting diverse and dynamic movements such as kettlebell swings or goblet squats.

These workouts are structured to enhance maximum strength, employing a mix of compound exercises for comprehensive muscle activation and isolation movements for targeted training, typically featuring higher weights with fewer repetitions.

Focusing on the back, this group of muscles located on the rear upper torso is essential for pulling movements and contributes to various shoulder motions such as rows and pull-ups.

Incorporating these elements leads to improved strength and versatile fitness.

The 4 Best Back Exercises with Kettlebells to Build Strength

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Kettlebell Row

    Kettlebell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    781,099
    Back Strength
    93 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Row is a great exercise for strengthening your back. It involves using one kettlebell, which helps you focus on one side of your body at a time and improves core stability while maintaining posture.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell in your left hand.
    2. Bend your hips back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle to the floor.
    3. Pull the kettlebell up towards your torso by bending your left elbow.
    4. Lower the kettlebell back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 2. Kettlebell Alternating Row

    Kettlebell Alternating Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    573,967
    Back Strength
    91 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Alternating Row is a back-strengthening exercise that also works your shoulders and biceps. By alternating lifts, you give each side time to rest and focus, making it effective for building strength and muscle.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a kettlebell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
    3. Bend at your hips to lean your torso forward, keeping kettlebells under your shoulders.
    4. Lift one kettlebell towards your body by pulling your elbow back.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the kettlebell back down.
    6. Switch to the other side and repeat.
    7. Keep your core tight and back straight throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. Gorilla Rows

    Gorilla Rows demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    429,620
    Back Strength
    78 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    Gorilla Rows are a great back exercise that also works your shoulders, biceps, and traps. By alternating sides, you let your muscles recover and focus better on each side during the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand behind two kettlebells with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart.
    2. Engage your core and hinge at the hips, bending forward with a straight back until your chest is over the kettlebells.
    3. Keep your back straight and look forward.
    4. Grab a kettlebell in each hand with your palms facing each other.
    5. Pull one kettlebell off the ground using your back and shoulders, keeping the other kettlebell on the floor.
    6. Hold for a moment, then lower the kettlebell back down with control.
    7. Put the raised kettlebell back on the floor and switch to the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 4. Kettlebell Sumo High Pull

    Kettlebell Sumo High Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    214,648
    Trapezius Strength
    44 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Sumo High Pull is a powerful exercise that combines a sumo deadlift with a high pull. It works your glutes, hamstrings, and upper back while improving overall strength and explosiveness.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width, toes pointing slightly out.
    2. Keep your back straight and core tight.
    3. Bend at your hips and grab the kettlebell with both hands.
    4. Stand up, driving your hips forward, and pull the kettlebell to shoulder height.
    5. Lower the kettlebell back to the ground and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs

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