Atlas
Barbell Rear Delt Row: starting position Barbell Rear Delt Row: end position

Horizontal Pull · Shoulders

Barbell Rear Delt Row

A horizontal pull exercise that works the shoulders. Beginner level, using barbell & rack.

BeginnerBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryShoulders
SecondaryBiceps, Lats, Traps & mid back

Rear delts, mid traps and rhomboids.

Setup and loading

Overhand grip wider than your shoulders.

How to do the barbell rear delt row step by step

  1. Hinge your torso until it's nearly parallel to the floor with the bar hanging, wide grip.
  2. Pull the bar toward your chest, flaring your elbows wide.
  3. Lower slowly.

Form cues

  • Elbows out
  • Torso fixed

Common mistakes

  • Pulling toward your belly button with elbows tucked
Advertisement

Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

0 of 2

Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Olympic barbell and platesTo keep progressing on the big lifts with heavy loads.

As an Amazon Associate, Muscle Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

Variations and similar exercises

Advertisement