Bent Over Barbell Row

Bent Over Barbell Row — Start position
Start position
Bent Over Barbell Row — End position
End position
Region
Thoracic & Back
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Level
Beginner
Mechanic
compound
Force
pull

Muscles worked

  • middle back
  • biceps
  • lats
  • shoulders

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Holding a barbell with a pronated grip (palms facing down), bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up. The barbell should hang directly in front of you as your arms hang perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.

  2. Now, while keeping the torso stationary, breathe out and lift the barbell to you. Keep the elbows close to the body and only use the forearms to hold the weight. At the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a brief pause.

  3. Then inhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.

  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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