Comments on: 5 Problems with the Kettlebell Upright Row and Safer Alternatives

By: Stefano

Stefano — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:07:35 +0000

A MUCH safer alternative to the upright row is the armpit row (a.k.a. side raise, standing side pull or – funny as it may sound – “monkey row”).

By: Stefano

Stefano — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 06:39:59 +0000

My 2 cents. The upright row is not a dangerous exercise per se. The fact is that most people do it wrongly. First of all, the exercise should be done with a kb in each hand (or in the single-arm fashion). Secondarily, the starting position shouldn’t have the hand(s) holding the kb(s) in front of the thigs, but down by the side(s). Third, the elbow(s) should NEVER travel past the shoulder level. For a better understanding, try gripping a broomstick with a shoulder-width grip and do the movement. I’ve always done this exercise this way and I never ever had shoulder problems. About the upright row having no real impact on daily activities, well, it’s the same movement you do every single time you raise your hand at shoulder level. Anyway, that’s just my opinion.

By: Rance

Rance — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 17:43:50 +0000

I have just started using this exercise, the Kettlebell Upright Row, for working my shoulders and upper body. I had a feeling that this was not a safe exercise based on simply the actions involved and the stresses I could feel on my joints. I’m glad I found this information. I am going to remove the KUR from my workouts and begin using the alternatives you’ve mentioned here. Thanks for the info

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 31 Aug 2019 08:27:03 +0000

A really excellent article. I actually gave up on this exercise about 20 years ago simply because it was painful. Anyone still wasting their time and risking injury should read this. Although I once saw a bloke rip his big gold chain off by catching his thumb in it doing this exercise, so maybe it’s useful for giving us a good laugh in the gym.