Hi there,

Several questions come to mind based on your statement:

Do you think your muscles are different from a male?

Do you think training to get stronger and more physically fit is a different process for a female than a male?

Do your female muscles respond differently from a male to the training process?

The answer in each case is a resounding no.

The barbell row is an excellent exercise for both men and women unless you are training with a person that believes women should not exert themselves for fear of developing excessive muscle mass. If you are falling for that line, I’d suggest you race out the door at the speed of light and find a competent trainer.

It is a scientifically established fact that the muscle fibers in both men and women react in the same manner to a training stimulus. The greatest difference between the two genders is the vast hormonal variations between the two.

Training your upper back is an important aspect of overall body improvements and the barbell row is one of the mainstays of this journey.

Certainly, a dumbbell row will work but the weight will in most cases be insufficient to do much good. I am not aware of just what you mean when you say, “single arm dumb bell row with twist is better for women!” What does a twist do other than perhaps aggravate the wrist?

Danny M. O’Dell
www.explosivelyfit.com