Bench-Supported Single-Arm Dumbbell Row

The bench-supported single-arm dumbbell row is one of the most underrated golf fitness exercises. Most golfers think it's simply a back exercise, but it's much more than that. It develops the lats, scapular stabilizers, posterior shoulder, grip strength, and anti-rotational core stability, all of which contribute to a stronger, more consistent golf swing.

Single Arm Dumbbell Row

Recommended Programming

  • Warm-Up/Activation: 2 sets of 10–12 reps per side with a light weight.
  • Strength: 3–4 sets of 6–8 reps per side.
  • Hypertrophy: 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps per side.
  • Endurance/Postural Strength: 2–3 sets of 12–15 controlled reps.

Bench-Supported Single-Arm Dumbbell Row Instructions

  • Place one knee and the same-side hand firmly on a flat bench.
    • If you don't have a bench, you can use a chair and just keep one arm on the chair and both feet firmly on the ground.
  • Position your opposite foot on the floor for balance.
  1. Hold a dumbbell in your free hand with your arm fully extended.
  2. Brace your core and keep your back flat.
  3. Begin the movement by pulling your shoulder blade back.
  4. Drive your elbow toward your hip while keeping it close to your body.
  5. Pause briefly at the top and squeeze your upper back.
  6. Lower the dumbbell slowly until your arm is fully extended.
  7. Complete all repetitions before switching sides.

Front View (Chair Substitution)

exercises for golf

Side View

golf fitness

Primary Muscles Used

muscles used in golf fitness

Tips

  • Pull your elbow toward your hip instead of straight up.
  • Think about squeezing your shoulder blade before bending your elbow.
  • Keep your chest square to the floor.
  • Brace your core throughout the exercise.
  • Control the lowering phase.
  • Pause for one to two seconds at the top.
  • Keep your wrist straight and your grip firm.
  • Move through a full range of motion.
  • Exhale as you pull the dumbbell upward.
  • Focus on quality movement instead of heavy weight.
  • Avoid twisting your torso to finish the repetition.
  • Imagine pulling your body past the dumbbell rather than simply lifting the weight.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the Back: Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement by bracing your core.
  • Shrugging the Shoulder: Keep your shoulder away from your ear and pull through your upper back.
  • Pulling with the Arm Instead of the Back: Initiate the movement by retracting the shoulder blade before bending the elbow.
  • Twisting the Torso: Keep your shoulders square to the floor and avoid rotating your body.
  • Using Momentum: Lift and lower the dumbbell under control rather than swinging the weight.
  • Allowing the Elbow to Flare Out: Keep your elbow close to your body to better engage the lats.
  • Cutting the Range of Motion Short: Lower the dumbbell until your arm is fully extended before beginning the next repetition.
  • Using Too Much Weight: Select a weight that allows perfect control and a full range of motion.
  • Letting the Head Drop: Keep your neck neutral by looking a few feet in front of the bench.
  • Rushing the Lowering Phase: Control the eccentric portion to maximize strength and muscle development.

Tim's list of benefits for the Bench-Supported Single-Arm Dumbbell Row

  • Improves posture throughout the golf swing.
  • Builds upper back strength to maintain spine angle.
  • Strengthens the lats for increased clubhead speed.
  • Enhances scapular stability for improved shoulder mechanics.
  • Develops grip strength for greater club control.
  • Improves rotational stability through the core.
  • Helps reduce neck and shoulder fatigue during long rounds.
  • Can decrease the risk of shoulder and upper back injuries.

What if you could play the best golf of your life while looking and feeling your best? Green Physique's Golf  Wellness program is an easy-to-use, expert-guided fitness program designed to help golfers of any skill level increase strength, mobility, stability, and flexibility.  

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