Lumpy, I’ll keep that advice in mind; I might just do dumbbell rows on occasion.
Ninja, your suggestion appeals to me a lot. Do you know where I could learn to perform the Olympic Lifts (without coach)?
[quote]Zulu wrote:
Would omitting the rows cause injury, or compromise pushing strength?
If rows are absolutely necessary, would you guys say dumbbell rows are OK?
Thanks.[/quote]
Yes omitting rows could cause injury i.e. imbalance
Dumbbell rows are a solid choice.
It depends on your goals and training age. Its hard to give a yes or no answer because I don’t have any info about you and your training goals.
In general I advise to use rows (or at least a variation) at least once a week.
Zulu,
I have always hated barbell rows as well but I have decided that I am going to meet them as a challenge. I don’t think one arm rows are as good a substitute as I had hoped. It is very easy to allow too much body roll when you are fatigued and trying to row with one arm. It seems that even the slightest roll is counter productive.
If balance is a problem with the barbell, try putting your toes on a couple of ten pound plates. It lifts the fulcrum slightly and seems to alter the point of balance dramatically.
Bilt wrote:
I don’t think one arm rows are as good a substitute as I had hoped. It is very easy to allow too much body roll when you are fatigued and trying to row with one arm. It seems that even the slightest roll is counter productive.
I have the same issue with 1 arms however I am concerned about my form with barbells. Can someone offer suggestions for best form including:
- where the bar should touch the body at the top of the movement?
- what degree the back should be bent?
- should the back be arched?
Apologies for the newbie questions but I go to a gym where I see lots of bad form. Thanks.