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Reviewed March 2026

Renegade Row to Push Up

Full BodyDumbbellIntermediateCompound

Primary

Full Body

Secondary

Back, Chest, Core

Equipment

Dumbbell

Difficulty

Intermediate

Type

Push

Written byMySetPlan Training Team

NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.

A multi-joint movement that builds overall strength, the Renegade Row to Push Up targets your full body through a pushing movement pattern. Use for full-body training and core anti-rotation work.

Everything You Need to Know About the Renegade Row to Push Up

The Renegade Row to Push Up is a intermediate difficulty exercise that targets your Back and Chest and Core. It's a popular choice for building strength and muscle in these areas. When should you use it? Use for full-body training and core anti-rotation work. This timing makes the most of your workout and helps you get better results. Who is this for? Intermediate athletes with push-up and plank proficiency. Whether you're just starting out or working toward a specific goal, this exercise fits into your routine.

Renegade Row to Push Up — targeted muscles

Primary

BackChestCore

Secondary

ShouldersTriceps

Stabilizers

Hip FlexorsGlutes

How do you perform the Renegade Row to Push Up?

  1. 1

    Start in push-up position with hands on dumbbells.

  2. 2

    Perform a push-up with chest touching the ground.

  3. 3

    Row the right dumbbell to your hip while stabilizing.

  4. 4

    Row the left dumbbell then repeat the sequence.

What are the best tips for the Renegade Row to Push Up?

Keep your hips level during the rowing motion.

Widen your stance for better balance and stability.

Use hexagonal dumbbells to prevent rolling.

Engage your core throughout the entire movement.

Common Renegade Row to Push Up mistakes

Rotating hips excessively during the row.

Losing hip position during the Renegade Row to Push Up shifts the loading pattern away from your Back and can compress your lower back. Stay planted and let your Back do the work.

Not completing full range push-up portion.

Cutting the range of motion short on the Renegade Row to Push Up means your Back never reaches full stretch or full contraction. Research shows full range of motion produces significantly more muscle growth than partial reps at the same load.

Using dumbbells that roll during movement.

During any pressing movement like the Renegade Row to Push Up, this mistake reduces how effectively your Back can produce force. Focus on the muscle you're trying to work — if you can't feel your Back driving the movement, something is off.

Rushing through reps without control.

Rushing through the Renegade Row to Push Up reduces the time your Back spends under tension — which is one of the main drivers of growth. Aim for a controlled 2-second lowering phase on every rep.

Renegade Row to Push Up — who it's best for

Intermediate athletes with push-up and plank proficiency.

How to Program the Renegade Row to Push Up

Strength4-6 reps

Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.

Muscle Growth8-10 reps

This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.

Endurance12-15 reps

Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.

General guideline: 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps. Rest 60-90 seconds.

What are good alternatives to the Renegade Row to Push Up?

Other Variations

  • Renegade Row Only
  • Weighted Push Up Only
  • Single Arm Renegade Row
  • Burpee Renegade Row

This Exercise Is in Your Plan

MySetPlan picks the right exercises for your goals — like the Renegade Row to Push Up — and builds them into a monthly program. Every set, every rep, planned out.

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Safety Notes

  • Use stable hex dumbbells.
  • Keep wrists neutral on dumbbells.
  • Engage core to protect lower back.