Exercise guide
Dumbbell Deep Push-Up And Renegade Row
- Advanced
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Waist
This advanced compound movement combines a deep-deficit push-up with a renegade row to build explosive upper-body strength and exceptional anti-rotational core stability.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Place two hexagonal dumbbells on the floor shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and assume a high plank position.
- Set your feet wider than shoulder-width apart to create a stable base for the rowing phase.
- Align your shoulders directly over the dumbbells, engaging your core and glutes to create a straight line from head to heels.
How to do it
- Inhale as you lower your chest toward the floor between the dumbbells, utilizing the extra range of motion for a deep stretch in the pectorals.
- Exhale and push back up to the starting plank position with control.
- Shift your weight slightly to one side and row the opposite dumbbell to your hip, keeping the elbow tucked close to your ribs.
- Lower the dumbbell quietly to the floor and repeat the row on the other side before beginning the next push-up repetition.
Form checklist
- Keep your hips perfectly square to the floor during the row; do not let them rotate or tilt.
- Maintain a neutral spine and avoid letting your lower back sag during the push-up.
- Ensure the stationary arm remains locked and stable as you pull the opposite weight.
- Drive your elbow toward the ceiling rather than pulling the weight toward your shoulder.
Pro tips
- Squeeze your glutes and quads as hard as possible during the rowing phase to anchor your lower body.
- Focus on 'pushing' the floor away with the non-rowing hand to create maximum tension and stability.
- Pause for one second at the top of the row to maximize lat engagement and core bracing.
Make it harder
- Bring your feet closer together to reduce your base of support and force the obliques to work harder.
- Add a 3-second eccentric (lowering) phase to the push-up to increase time under tension.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the dumbbell deep push-up and renegade row work?
- The dumbbell deep push-up and renegade row primarily targets the lats, pectorals, and trapezius, and also works the serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the dumbbell deep push-up and renegade row?
- The dumbbell deep push-up and renegade row uses dumbbell.
- Is the dumbbell deep push-up and renegade row good for beginners?
- The dumbbell deep push-up and renegade row is rated advanced. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
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- Plank Push-Up RowAdvanced · abs, lats, obliques, pectorals, and trapezius
- Weighted Muscle-UpAdvanced · lats, pectorals, and trapezius