Are dumbbell upright rows bad?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on February 27, 2026
Upright Rows are typically the most problematic variation because your hands are locked into position, which is more likely to cause a shoulder problem. Using dumbbells or kettlebells can alleviate this problem, because your hands are free to move, but the exercise still isn’t an ideal motion for shoulder health.
Why upright row is bad?
The problem with upright rows The main issue with upright rows is the risk of shoulder impingement. When these two bony prominences come together, impingement occurs, and this can create shoulder pain. Shoulder impingement is a direct result of the technique used.
Are upright rows for shoulders or back?
An upright row is an effective exercise to build strength in the shoulders and upper back. It’s a pull exercise, meaning you’ll be pulling the weight toward you and targeting your posterior chain, or the muscles on the backside of your body.
Do chin ups make your biceps bigger?
It’s possible to build bigger Biceps with both, Chin Ups and Curls. The highest bicep activation is found in Weighted Chin Ups. But if biceps size is very important to you, just do both.
Are upright rows good or bad?
The upright row is one of the most harmful exercises you can expose your shoulders to. Every time you raise the weight, a small tendon in your shoulder gets pinched (known as impingement) by the bones in the shoulder. This may not hurt immediately; it may not even hurt for a long, long time.
Are upright rows harmful?
“The Upright Row is one of the most harmful exercises you can expose your shoulders to. The problem with the exercise lies in the position your arms must be in in order to perform the movement. This position is called “internal rotation.”.
What are the benefits of upright rows?
The dumbbell upright row is done with a dumbbell held in each hand. The benefit of performing such an exercise is that it can increase unilateral strength, muscle mass, and movement coordination (benefits of unilateral training).
What muscles are used in the upright row?
The primary muscles involved in the upright row are the upper trapezius, deltoids and biceps. The upper trapezius and deltoids work together to elevate your shoulder girdle and raise your arms, while your biceps work to flex your elbows. If you find upright rows hurt your shoulders, perform shrugs for your trapezius muscles instead.
What do upright rows target?
Upright rows have long been a staple exercise for shoulders. After all, shoulder presses and upright rows are the only multi-joint movements for the shoulders. While shoulder presses are a pushing exercise that include mainly the three deltoid heads and the trapezius , upright rows are a pulling movement that target the same muscles.