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Exercise library

Barbell Bent-Over Row

Back · Horizontal pull

Generic horizontal pull demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

Horizontal pullCompound

The main barbell pulling lift, rowing to the waist from a hinged position.

Difficulty
Moderate
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

BackBicepsShouldersCore

Equipment

Barbell

How to do it

  1. Stand with your feet hip width and hold the bar just outside your knees with an overhand grip.
  2. Hinge forward from the hips with soft knees until your torso is about 45 degrees, keeping a neutral spine.
  3. Row the bar to your lower ribs or upper waist, driving your elbows back.
  4. Lower under control until your arms are straight, keeping your torso angle fixed.

Coaching cues

  • Brace your core hard and keep your back flat, the position matters more than the load.
  • Do not use your hips to heave the bar up, keep the torso still.