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Dumbbell High Pull

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Explosive compound movement combining hip hinge and vertical pull with dumbbells, targeting traps, shoulders, glutes, and hamstrings to build power, strength, and coordination for athletic performance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Traps, Shoulders, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Quads, Lats, Lower Back, Abs, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Power
Strength
Conditioning

Training Style

Weightlifting
Functional Training
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Traps

9/10

Upper Traps

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris

Quads

5/10

Rectus Femoris

Lats

4/10

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

3/10

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Calves

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells in front of thighs with overhand grip, arms extended, chest up, core braced, back flat.

  1. Hinge at hips and bend knees slightly to lower dumbbells to knee height, keeping them close to body.
  2. Explosively extend hips and knees, driving upward.
  3. Simultaneously pull dumbbells toward shoulders, leading with elbows flaring out high.
  4. Reach peak with dumbbells at shoulder height, elbows above wrists.
  5. Controlled lower dumbbells by reversing hinge and knee bend.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive from hips
  • Elbows lead high
  • Keep weights close
  • Stay tall posture

Breathing

Inhale during the hinge and load phase, exhale forcefully through the explosive pull and extension.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower to just above knees in hinge, explode upward until elbows are high and dumbbells reach shoulder height without full lockout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder or lower back issues
  • Start with light weights to master form
  • Warm up joints before explosive loads
  • Do not jerk or use excessive momentum

Spotting

Not typically required; focus on self-control with lighter loads or use safeties if progressing heavy.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back during hinge
  • Pulling with arms instead of hips
  • Allowing momentum to swing weights
  • Failing to control descent

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain
  • Recent hip injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder flexion for high pull

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in hip hinge
  • Basic explosive power coordination

Also known as

DB High Pull, Dumbbell Upright Row Pull

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