Sweat, Glow, and Thrive with Ashley Rhodes

The Ultimate Showdown: Upright Row vs Monkey Row

Overview

  • The upright row, a classic gym staple, involves lifting a barbell or dumbbells from the floor to your chin, keeping your elbows high and close to your body.
  • The monkey row, a relatively newer exercise, involves hanging from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip and pulling your chest towards the bar, mimicking a monkey swinging through trees.
  • The monkey row is a challenging exercise that requires a decent level of upper body strength to perform correctly.

The gym is a battlefield of iron, where countless exercises clash for your attention. Two such contenders, often confused and debated, are the upright row and the monkey row. While both target the upper back and shoulders, their nuances and benefits set them apart. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of “upright row vs monkey row,” dissecting their mechanics, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision for your fitness journey.

Understanding the Upright Row

The upright row, a classic gym staple, involves lifting a barbell or dumbbells from the floor to your chin, keeping your elbows high and close to your body. This compound movement engages multiple muscle groups, primarily targeting the traps, deltoids, and biceps.

Advantages of the Upright Row:

  • Compound Movement: This exercise activates a multitude of muscles, leading to increased calorie expenditure and overall muscle growth.
  • Shoulder Strength and Stability: The upright row enhances shoulder strength and stability, crucial for everyday activities and athletic performance.
  • Improved Posture: By strengthening the upper back and shoulders, the upright row can improve posture and alleviate back pain.

Disadvantages of the Upright Row:

  • Shoulder Injury Risk: Improper form can lead to shoulder impingement, a common injury among weightlifters.
  • Limited Range of Motion: The upright row’s limited range of motion can hinder the full development of shoulder muscles.
  • Potential for Spinal Stress: Excessive weight or poor form can strain the spine, leading to discomfort or injury.

Demystifying the Monkey Row

The monkey row, a relatively newer exercise, involves hanging from a pull-up bar with an overhand grip and pulling your chest towards the bar, mimicking a monkey swinging through trees. This exercise primarily targets the lats, biceps, and forearms.

Advantages of the Monkey Row:

  • Enhanced Grip Strength: The monkey row strengthens your grip, which is essential for various activities, from carrying groceries to playing sports.
  • Improved Body Awareness: This exercise promotes body awareness and control, crucial for maintaining balance and coordination.
  • Increased Upper Body Strength: The monkey row develops upper body strength, particularly in the lats and biceps, which are vital for pulling movements.

Disadvantages of the Monkey Row:

  • Requires Significant Strength: The monkey row is a challenging exercise that requires a decent level of upper body strength to perform correctly.
  • Limited Muscle Activation: Compared to the upright row, the monkey row targets fewer muscle groups.
  • May Not Suit Everyone: Individuals with shoulder or wrist issues may find this exercise uncomfortable or unsuitable.

Choosing the Right Exercise for You

The choice between the upright row and the monkey row depends on your individual goals, fitness level, and any existing injuries.

Choose the upright row if:

  • You aim to build overall shoulder strength and stability.
  • You want to improve your posture and alleviate back pain.
  • You have access to free weights and prefer compound movements.

Choose the monkey row if:

  • You want to enhance grip strength and develop your lats and biceps.
  • You enjoy challenging exercises and have a good level of upper body strength.
  • You are looking for a functional exercise that mimics real-life movements.

Form is Paramount: Avoiding Injury

No matter which exercise you choose, maintaining proper form is crucial to maximize results and minimize injury risk. Here are some essential tips:

  • Warm up: Always warm up your shoulders and upper back before performing either exercise.
  • Start light: Begin with a weight you can comfortably lift with good form.
  • Focus on controlled movements: Avoid jerking or swinging the weight.
  • Maintain a neutral spine: Avoid rounding your back or arching your spine.
  • Listen to your body: If you feel any pain, stop the exercise immediately.

Variations to Challenge Your Muscles

Both the upright row and the monkey row offer variations to challenge your muscles and prevent plateaus.

Upright Row Variations:

  • Dumbbell Upright Row: This variation allows for a wider range of motion and can be easier to control.
  • Cable Upright Row: Using a cable machine provides constant tension throughout the exercise, promoting muscle growth.
  • Seated Upright Row: This variation reduces strain on the lower back.

Monkey Row Variations:

  • Towel Monkey Row: Using a towel instead of a pull-up bar allows for a wider grip and increased range of motion.
  • Assisted Monkey Row: Using a resistance band or a spotter can make the exercise easier to perform.
  • Negative Monkey Row: Focus on the lowering phase of the movement, which can be challenging and effective.

The Verdict: Upright Row vs Monkey Row

Ultimately, the “winner” between the upright row and the monkey row depends on your individual goals and preferences. The upright row offers a versatile compound movement for overall shoulder strength and stability, while the monkey row focuses on grip strength, lat development, and functional movement.

Beyond the Battle: A Balanced Approach

Instead of choosing one exercise over the other, consider incorporating both into your training routine for a balanced and comprehensive approach to upper body development.

What People Want to Know

1. Can I perform both the upright row and the monkey row on the same day?

Yes, you can perform both exercises on the same day, but ensure sufficient rest between sets and exercises to prevent fatigue and injury.

2. What is the best weight to use for the upright row and the monkey row?

The optimal weight depends on your individual strength level. Start with a weight you can lift comfortably with good form and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.

3. Can I use the upright row to improve my pull-up performance?

While the upright row can help strengthen the muscles involved in pull-ups, it is not a direct substitute for pull-ups. To improve your pull-up performance, you need to practice pull-ups regularly.

4. Is the monkey row suitable for beginners?

The monkey row is a challenging exercise that requires a good level of upper body strength. Beginners may find it difficult to perform correctly. It is recommended to start with easier variations like towel monkey rows or assisted monkey rows.

5. What are some alternative exercises to the upright row and the monkey row?

Alternative exercises for the upright row include lateral raises, front raises, and shoulder press. Alternatives for the monkey row include pull-ups, chin-ups, and rows.

Was this page helpful?No
About the Author
My name is Ashley Rhodes and I am a passionate fitness enthusiast and blogger based in Los Angeles, California. After struggling with my own health and weight challenges in my 20s, I discovered the transformative power of exercise, nutrition, and mindset work. I now dedicate my time to inspiring others...