Kettlebell Row (Single)

What you'll gain

• Builds mid-back and lat size one side at a time, exposing weak sides.

• Trains anti-rotation strength through the trunk on every rep.

• Requires only one kettlebell, making it ideal for minimal-equipment setups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Stand with one foot forward in a short stagger and a kettlebell on the floor next to the back leg.

2. 2

   Hinge at the hips and rest your non-working hand on the front thigh for support, keeping a flat back.

3. 3

   Grip the kettlebell with the working hand and let the arm hang straight down with the bell loaded.

4. 4

   Brace your core and row the kettlebell up to your hip, leading with the elbow close to the ribs.

5. 5

   Squeeze your mid-back at the top, then lower the bell slowly back toward the floor under control.

6. 6

   Finish all reps on one side, then switch stance and arms and repeat on the other side.

Common Mistakes

• Twisting the torso open to throw the kettlebell up instead of staying square to the floor.

• Letting the elbow flare wide, which loads the rear shoulder instead of the mid-back and lats.

• Rounding the lower back when the bell is on the floor, which strains the spine.

• Pulling with the biceps only and skipping the shoulder-blade squeeze at the top of the rep.

About This Exercise

The single kettlebell row is a one-handed bent-over row performed from a staggered stance. With one foot forward and the non-working hand resting on the front thigh for support, the lifter hinges forward and rows the kettlebell to the hip with the working side. Working unilaterally lets each side move through a full range and exposes any left-right strength gap. This variation is a staple in any kettlebell library because it requires only one bell and minimal space. Use it in home and travel kettlebell programs, unilateral training blocks, and beginner pull-day flows where the staggered stance is easier to coach than a fully bent-over row.

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