ActiveWhat are gorilla rows: the underrated strength exercise you’re not doing for a stronger backIt will also give your core a run for its moneyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ActiveWhat are gorilla rows: the underrated strength exercise you’re not doing for a stronger backIt will also give your core a run for its moneyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

It will also give your core a run for its money

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Two kettlebells on the floor with a man�s hands on either one

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Nothing builds a stronger back quite like a row. You’re probably familiar with bent-over rows,barbell rows, and pendlay rows, but what about gorilla rows? Thiscompound exercisehas many of the same benefits as the bent-over row and seriously strengthens the muscles in your upper back, but it also has some unique benefits that could elevate other areas of your training and physique.

Just to clarify, gorilla rows have nothing to do with getting down on all fours, it gets its name from the distinct stance you take while performing the exercise (hinged over, like a proud, powerful gorilla). Typically, the movement is performed usingtwo kettlebells, although apair of dumbbellsis perfectly fine, and it targets multiple muscles in your back, including the lats, traps, rear deltoids, spinal electors, and biceps. Not to mention they give your core a serious run for its money.

However, unlike the bent-over barbell row, gorilla rows are a unilateral exercise, working one side of your body at a time. This ensures a balanced physique with reduced strength imbalances (something that can go amiss with the barbell row), which can increase the likelihood of injury. This is also great for training core too because, as you row one weight up, the other side of your body has to remain stable and resist any movement, enhancing trunk stability.

Holding a heavy weight in your hand at a time will also build strength in the forearms, thus improving your grip strength. Not to mention the bent-over position enhances mobility in the hips and strengthens your hinge pattern. All of this has great carryover for everyday activities and can amplify other areas of your training, such as yourdeadliftsandpull-ups. Plus, they take far less time to set up than a barbell and plates. Switch up your regular rows and give them a go!

How to do gorilla rows

Kettlebell Gorilla Row - YouTubeWatch On

Kettlebell Gorilla Row - YouTube

Kettlebell Gorilla Row - YouTube

Kettlebell Gorilla Row - YouTube

Today’s best kettlebell dealsGoFit Kettlebell Vinyl$34.99ViewSee all pricesCAP Barbell Kettlebell$52.99$28.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025ONNIT Primal Kettlebell$42.95ViewSee all pricesApex adjustable kettlebell$69.99$46.07ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene$12.99ViewSee all pricesAmazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell$22.65ViewSee all pricesKettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition$330$299ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best kettlebell dealsGoFit Kettlebell Vinyl$34.99ViewSee all pricesCAP Barbell Kettlebell$52.99$28.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025ONNIT Primal Kettlebell$42.95ViewSee all pricesApex adjustable kettlebell$69.99$46.07ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene$12.99ViewSee all pricesAmazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell$22.65ViewSee all pricesKettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition$330$299ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best kettlebell dealsGoFit Kettlebell Vinyl$34.99ViewSee all pricesCAP Barbell Kettlebell$52.99$28.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025ONNIT Primal Kettlebell$42.95ViewSee all pricesApex adjustable kettlebell$69.99$46.07ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene$12.99ViewSee all pricesAmazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell$22.65ViewSee all pricesKettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition$330$299ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best kettlebell deals

GoFit Kettlebell Vinyl$34.99ViewSee all pricesCAP Barbell Kettlebell$52.99$28.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025ONNIT Primal Kettlebell$42.95ViewSee all pricesApex adjustable kettlebell$69.99$46.07ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene$12.99ViewSee all pricesAmazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell$22.65ViewSee all pricesKettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition$330$299ViewSee all prices

GoFit Kettlebell Vinyl$34.99ViewSee all prices

GoFit Kettlebell Vinyl$34.99ViewSee all prices

GoFit Contoured Single Vinyl…

GoFit Kettlebell Vinyl

GoFit Kettlebell Vinyl

Walmart

$34.99View

$34.99

$34.99

See all prices

CAP Barbell Kettlebell$52.99$28.99ViewSee all pricesDeal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025

CAP Barbell Kettlebell$52.99$28.99ViewSee all prices

CAP Barbell Weightlifting…

CAP Barbell Kettlebell

CAP Barbell Kettlebell

Amazon

$52.99$28.99View

$52.99$28.99

$28.99

See all prices

Deal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025

Deal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025

Deal endsFri, Jan 24, 2025

ONNIT Primal Kettlebell$42.95ViewSee all prices

ONNIT Primal Kettlebell$42.95ViewSee all prices

18 lb (0.5 pood) Howler…

ONNIT Primal Kettlebell

ONNIT Primal Kettlebell

Onnit

$42.95View

$42.95

$42.95

See all prices

Apex adjustable kettlebell$69.99$46.07ViewSee all pricesDeal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025

Apex adjustable kettlebell$69.99$46.07ViewSee all prices

Marcy Fitness Mats, exercise…

Apex adjustable kettlebell

Apex adjustable kettlebell

Amazon

$69.99$46.07View

$69.99$46.07

$46.07

See all prices

Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025

Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025

Deal endsMon, Jan 20, 2025

GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene$12.99ViewSee all prices

GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene$12.99ViewSee all prices

GYMENIST Kettlebell Fitness…

GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene

GYMENIST Kettlebell Neoprene

Amazon

$12.99View

$12.99

$12.99

See all prices

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell$22.65ViewSee all prices

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell$22.65ViewSee all prices

Amazon Basics Cast Iron…

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell

Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell

Amazon

$22.65View

$22.65

$22.65

See all prices

Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition$330$299ViewSee all prices

Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition$330$299ViewSee all prices

Kettlebell Kings Adjustable…

Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition

Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition

Amazon

$330$299View

$330$299

$299

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

Samsung Galaxy S25 family leaked

Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets

Astropad Bookcase – girl reading

This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…

Actually, there are a couple…

R.A.D One V2

R.A.D unveils the next generation of its iconic workout shoe with a redesigned upper and more cushioningThe first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks

The first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks

Hyperice Normatec Premier

Normatec Premier review: wireless compression for hassle-free recoveryThe Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever

The Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever

A woman doing a Pilates back workout

Pilates vs weight training: what are they and what’s best for you?Beginners will benefit massively from both approaches to strength training, but each has its merits and downfalls

Beginners will benefit massively from both approaches to strength training, but each has its merits and downfalls

Adidas launches Dropset 3 workout shoes

Full-body workouts versus push-pull-legs: which is best for maximal muscle gain?Discover which of these two popular training programmes is best for you and your end goals

Discover which of these two popular training programmes is best for you and your end goals

Man doing bodyweight push ups

Callisthenics versus weight training: Do you need fancy equipment to build a great body?Bodyweight is a powerful tool in building muscle. We run down the key differences between these two training styles

Bodyweight is a powerful tool in building muscle. We run down the key differences between these two training styles

A man performing a deadlift

Push-pull-legs vs. upper/lower body workouts: which split is best?Maximise exercise volume to pack on serious muscle with these time-saving workout options

Maximise exercise volume to pack on serious muscle with these time-saving workout options

A muscular man performing bicep curls at the gym

Strength training vs. bodybuilding: What’s the difference and what’s best for you?Here’s everything you need to know about building muscle and improving strength

Here’s everything you need to know about building muscle and improving strength

Portrait of smiling young woman standing on a road park and looking at camera. Curly hair. Sleeveless orange t-shirt.

Get Fit 2025: T3’s ultimate fitness, diet and exercise tips to help you get in shape this yearKickstart your fitness journey in 2025 with our guide to workouts, diet tips, and sustainable strategies that will help you get stronger, feel healthier, and stay motivated all year long

Kickstart your fitness journey in 2025 with our guide to workouts, diet tips, and sustainable strategies that will help you get stronger, feel healthier, and stay motivated all year long