Middle Back · Barbell

Bent Over Barbell Row

A compound movement that trains your middle back, done with a barbell. Your biceps, lats and shoulders help out.

EquipmentBarbell
TypeCompound
Push or pullPull
LevelBeginner

Muscles you'll work

Bent Over Barbell Row muscles worked, front viewBent Over Barbell Row muscles worked, back view
Middle BackPrimaryBiceps · Lats · ShouldersSecondary

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.

More middle back exercises

Pendlay Row (Barbell)Incline Bench PullBent Over Row (Band)Bent Over Two-Dumbbell Row
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