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Exercise library · Upper & Mid Back

How to Do Bent Over Barbell Row

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the bent over barbell row.

Bent Over Barbell Row animated demonstration from start to end position
Main musclesUpper & Mid Back
Also worksBiceps, Lats, Shoulders
EquipmentBarbell
LevelBeginner
TypeStrength

How to do it

  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.

Form tips

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Gear for this exercise

Barbell and plates setBarbell and plates setA proper home strength setup for squats and presses.See it on Amazon →Squat rack / power rackSquat rack / power rackThe centre of a serious home gym.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.

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