Back · Kettlebell
Kettlebell Incline Row
How to do the kettlebell incline row, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Kettlebell
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- HorizontalPull
- Mechanic
- Compound
How to do it
Lie chest-down on an incline bench holding a kettlebell in each hand with arms hanging straight toward the floor. Row the kettlebells up toward your ribs by squeezing your shoulder blades together, then lower under control. The bench supports your torso so the back muscles do the work.
- 1Feel your lats and mid-back pull the kettlebells toward your ribs
- 2Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top
- 3Keep your chest pinned to the bench throughout
Common mistakes
- Avoid shrugging your shoulders or flaring your elbows wide
- Don't lift your chest off the bench to cheat the row
- Avoid using momentum; control both phases
Muscles worked
The kettlebell incline row mainly works the lats and mid traps, with the biceps, forearms, and rear delts assisting.
- LatsPrimary
- Mid TrapsPrimary
- BicepsSupport
- ForearmsSupport
- Rear DeltsSupport
- Upper TrapsMinor
- Lower TrapsMinor
- Upper AbsMinor
Kovo programs the kettlebell incline row for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More back exercises
- How to do the archer pull-up
- How to do the resistance band assisted pull-up
- How to do the machine assisted pull-up
- How to do the back extension bench back extension
- How to do the machine back extension
- How to do the back lever
Last reviewed June 2026.