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Kettlebell Renegade Row

Intermediate
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A compound stability exercise combining a high plank with alternating single-arm rows using kettlebells to target the lats and core for anti-rotation strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Shoulders, Glutes, Quads

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Traps

7/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Biceps

6/10

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Quads

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Assume a high plank position gripping two kettlebells placed shoulder-width apart on the floor, with feet set wider than hip-width for stability.

  1. Brace your core and glutes to maintain a rigid, flat back.
  2. Push firmly into the floor with one arm while rowing the other kettlebell to your hip.
  3. Keep your hips square to the ground; do not let them rotate.
  4. Lower the weight with control to the starting position.
  5. Repeat on the opposite side, alternating arms for the desired reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips square
  • Crush the handle
  • Push floor away
  • Anti-rotation
  • Glutes tight

Breathing

Exhale as you row the weight up while bracing hard; inhale as you lower the weight back to the floor.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Pull the kettlebell handle until it reaches the side of your torso, keeping the elbow tucked close to the body.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure kettlebells have a flat base to prevent rolling
  • Avoid if experiencing wrist pain
  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout

Spotting

Not recommended; use lighter weights or regress to a standard plank if form breaks down.

Common Mistakes

  • Rotating hips to lift weight
  • Sagging lower back
  • Feet too narrow
  • Wrists collapsing

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back pain
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion for plank hold
  • Hip mobility for stable base

Build Up First

  • Proficient high plank
  • Basic rowing form

Also known as

KB Renegade Row, Plank Row, Alternating Kettlebell Row, Kettlebell Plank Row

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