Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Many people perform the single-arm row with excessive elbow flexion, unintentionally turning the movement into a curl.
This shifts the focus away from shoulder extension, reduces lat engagement, and makes the exercise more biceps-dominant than intended.
🔍 Why it matters
The latissimus dorsi is a much larger and stronger muscle, designed to drive the row through shoulder extension. If the biceps take over, they become the limiting factor, preventing you from fully engaging the lats and maximizing the exercise's benefits.
✅ How to fix it
Keep the arm more vertical to the floor to minimize elbow flexor involvement. Initiate the pull from the shoulder and drive the elbow back toward the hip, letting your lats do what they’re meant to do.
📲 Want more smart technique tips like this?
Check out the Muscle and Motion Strength Training App link in bio!
Many people perform the single-arm row with excessive elbow flexion, unintentionally turning the movement into a curl.
This shifts the focus away from shoulder extension, reduces lat engagement, and makes the exercise more biceps-dominant than intended.
🔍 Why it matters
The latissimus dorsi is a much larger and stronger muscle, designed to drive the row through shoulder extension. If the biceps take over, they become the limiting factor, preventing you from fully engaging the lats and maximizing the exercise's benefits.
✅ How to fix it
Keep the arm more vertical to the floor to minimize elbow flexor involvement. Initiate the pull from the shoulder and drive the elbow back toward the hip, letting your lats do what they’re meant to do.
📲 Want more smart technique tips like this?
Check out the Muscle and Motion Strength Training App link in bio!
