Upper back exercises

Barbell Reverse-grip Row

Also known as: Rowing barre en supination · Κωπηλατική με μπάρα και ανάποδη λαβή · underhand row · Yates row · reverse grip row

Primary
Upper back
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
1.5 min

How to do the Barbell Reverse-grip Row

  1. Grip the bar underhand (palms facing forward) at shoulder width.

  2. Hinge at the hips to about 45 degrees with a flat back and soft knees.

  3. Pull the bar to your belly button, keeping your elbows close to your body.

  4. Lower the bar under control.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Upper back

Secondary

Lats, Biceps, Lower back

Rhomboids, mid traps and rear delts hold your shoulder blades in place. Rows, face pulls and reverse flyes build thickness and healthier shoulders.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Barbell Reverse-grip Row doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Barbell upper back exercises