DB Row Alternatives when you need more weight

Jake Hicks
Sep 12
5 min read

Don't ever let equipment limit your training. Most people aren't training heavy enough with dumbbells so when they switch to one of my programs it's not uncommon to come across this issue where you run out of DB weight. Not to worry, I've solved this problem myself in a couple different ways. I will share my tips and tricks below

DB Loading Alternatives for when your dumbbells aren't heavy enough

In this article I walk through practical alternatives for when you don't have dumbbells that are heavy enough for pressing and rowing — especially useful if you train with lower-rep, heavy sets but don't have the plates or fixed dumbbells to get there. Below I cover my preferred solutions, how to set them up, and tips to preserve range of motion and exercise quality.

Before we get going, I want to make a quick caveat that is not mentioned in the video version. When you buy dumbbells, buy ROUND dumbbells. Never buy hex dumbbells. Hex DBs where made to prevent people from dropping them. Round DBs are made to drop. If you adopt the performance based training style, sometimes you need to drop DBs specifically on dead stop variations. Imagine a Pendlay Row but with DBs, that's an exercise variation I want to be able to use so buy the round ones. Hex shaped DBs when dropped jump side to side and are very annoying to use for performance style training. Gyms with hex weights are looking to keep a certain type of lifter out of their gym. Which is fine, to each their own.

To watch the video version of this topic (4 minutes and 55 seconds) on YouTube CLICK HERE.

The problem: not enough dumbbell weight

When athletes or clients move from higher-rep work to heavy low-rep sets, one of the most common issues I see is simply running out of dumbbell weight. Most home or small gyms don’t have dumbbells above 100–120 lb. Also you would be surprised how much weight the average person can pull on DB rows, they just have never tried before because they weren't training them heavy. Same can be true for a lot of DB pressing variations. I have a female lifter that weighs 150 and she legit DB rows 150s for reps. This style of training is going to allow you to move bigger weights. Buying a full set of heavy fixed dumbbells is expensive and if you're at a gym you are basically stuck with what they have and often times it's not enough. You can still train heavy with a few simple tools and setup changes.

My preferred solution: adjustable dumbbell handles

My go-to fix is a pair of dedicated dumbbell handles. I’ve had mine for years and they’ve held up. Key points:

Cost: Typically about $50–$60 per handle (for a pair).
Capacity: You can load up to four plates per side — with 25 lb plates that gets you roughly 220 lb on a single dumbbell.
Grip choice: For rows I prefer a thinner handle; for pressing I actually like a thicker grip because the larger surface feels better in the palm when pressing.

Loadable dumbbell handles let you combine standard plates and reach heavier single-arm loads without buying specialty dumbbells. I can fit up to 220lbs on each dumbbell, the catch is you need enough weight plates to load them up.

Which plates to use

Use 25 lb plates (or smaller) rather than 45s or larger plates. Smaller plates have two benefits:

They don’t raise the handle as high off the ground, which preserves range of motion, especially for rows.
They avoid the awkward, “tank-like” profile that big plates create on either end of the handle.

If you need extra 25 lb plates, Facebook Marketplace is a great place to look locally; the handles themselves are easy to order on Amazon.

Loadable DBs

Option 2: The landmine alternative (Meadows-style row)

If you don’t have loadable dumbbell handles, a landmine setup can be a solid fallback. Some people call this a Meadows row, but I perform it a bit differently and treat it as a distinct option. The key is to maximize range of motion and stay in a strong, mechanically advantageous position. You don't want to set up off to the side like you might with a Meadows Row. You want the weight to start center or slightly across center mass.

Landmine setup and execution

Use small plates: Stack 25s (or tens/fives) to keep the bar lower to the ground and increase your reach.
Foot placement: Keep your stance close. A narrow stance raises the hips and lets you reach further toward the bar.
Bar position: Place the landmine bar just past your midline, centered over your feet. That allows you to start across your body and finish fully contracted.
Body position: I like to be tall through the hips, think “long and stretch” at the start, then “short and contracted” at the finish.
Anchoring: You don’t always need to wedge the bar into a corner. Depending on your floor and setup, laying the bar on the ground works fine — making setup quicker and simpler.

If you want to mimic a three-point row and need a hand support, place your free hand on a bench or stable surface. You can also just do them without the bench as you would a 2pt DB Row.

Landmine Row

My Solutions in order

Buy heavier fixed dumbbells — the simplest but most expensive long-term solution.
Loadable dumbbell handles + 25 lb plates — my preferred, cost-effective solution for hitting heavy singles and low-rep sets.
Landmine with small plates — a very good fallback if you have a bar and a few small plates but no handles.

Quick tips and reminders

For heavy rows, a thin grip allows better hand placement and control; for heavy presses, a thicker grip can feel better in the hand.
Avoid loading big bumper-style or 45 lb plates on both loadable handle setups as well as landmines if you care about row ROM — they lift the bar and shorten your pull.
Small incremental plates (5s, 10s, 25s) are extremely useful for fine-tuning and preserving movement quality.
Look for handles on Amazon and small plates on local marketplaces like Facebook to keep costs down.

Conclusion

You don’t have to miss heavy training just because you lack giant fixed dumbbells. Adjustable handles plus smaller plates are the most practical and inexpensive fix, and a landmine setup with small plates is a reliable backup. Prioritize range of motion (use smaller plates), choose the grip thickness that fits the movement, and set your landmine so you can pull across the body with a full contraction. Small changes to equipment and setup will let you keep progressing without breaking the bank.

For training inquires email me at: jakehicks@rxstrengthandfitness.com