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Exercise Comparison

Alternating Kettlebell Row vs One-Arm Dumbbell Row

Alternating Kettlebell Row - starting position
Alternating Kettlebell Row - ending position
Alternating Kettlebell Row
intermediate·Kettlebells·isolation
One-Arm Dumbbell Row - starting position
One-Arm Dumbbell Row - ending position
One-Arm Dumbbell Row
beginner·Dumbbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Alternating Kettlebell Row
VS
One-Arm Dumbbell Row
intermediate
Level
beginner
Kettlebells
Equipment
Dumbbell
isolation
Mechanic
compound
pull
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Strength
middle back
Primary
middle back
bicepslats
Secondary
bicepslatsshoulders

Muscle Analysis

Shared

middle backbicepslats

Only in One-Arm Dumbbell Row

shoulders

Instructions

Alternating Kettlebell Row

1

Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and push your butt out as much as possible. As you bend over to get into the starting position grab both kettlebells by the handles.

2

Pull one kettlebell off of the floor while holding on to the other kettlebell. Retract the shoulder blade of the working side, as you flex the elbow, drawing the kettlebell towards your stomach or rib cage.

3

Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.

One-Arm Dumbbell Row

1

Choose a flat bench and place a dumbbell on each side of it.

2

Place the right leg on top of the end of the bench, bend your torso forward from the waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor, and place your right hand on the other end of the bench for support.

3

Use the left hand to pick up the dumbbell on the floor and hold the weight while keeping your lower back straight. The palm of the hand should be facing your torso. This will be your starting position.

4

Pull the resistance straight up to the side of your chest, keeping your upper arm close to your side and keeping the torso stationary. Breathe out as you perform this step. Tip: Concentrate on squeezing the back muscles once you reach the full contracted position. Also, make sure that the force is performed with the back muscles and not the arms. Finally, the upper torso should remain stationary and only the arms should move. The forearms should do no other work except for holding the dumbbell; therefore do not try to pull the dumbbell up using the forearms.

5

Lower the resistance straight down to the starting position. Breathe in as you perform this step.

6

Repeat the movement for the specified amount of repetitions.

7

Switch sides and repeat again with the other arm.

Verdict

Both exercises target the middle back. Alternating Kettlebell Row is a intermediate exercise using kettlebells, while One-Arm Dumbbell Row is beginner and uses dumbbell. Choose One-Arm Dumbbell Row if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Alternating Kettlebell Row for a greater challenge. One-Arm Dumbbell Row is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Alternating Kettlebell Row isolates the target muscle for focused development.

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