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Bent-over Row

Intermediate

A hinge-position row that builds thickness across the entire back.

Target muscles

Mid Back

Calories burned

~9 kcal / set

Secondary muscles

Lats, Biceps

Equipment

Barbell

Goal

Muscle Gain, Strength

Sets / Reps

4 × 8-10

Benefits

  • Builds back thickness and pulling strength
  • Improves posture and postural strength

Step by step

  1. 1Hinge at the hips with a barbell in hand, torso close to parallel to the floor.
  2. 2Keep a slight bend in your knees and a flat back.
  3. 3Pull the bar toward your lower ribs, squeezing your shoulder blades.
  4. 4Lower the bar back down with control.

Breathing guide

Exhale as you row, inhale as you lower.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding the back
  • Using momentum to jerk the bar up

Safety tips

  • Keep your core braced to protect your lower back.
  • Pull to your belly button, not your chest.

Variations

  • Pendlay row
  • Dumbbell row