Atlas
Reverse-Grip Barbell Row: starting position Reverse-Grip Barbell Row: end position

Horizontal Pull · Traps & mid back

Reverse-Grip Barbell Row

A horizontal pull exercise that works the traps & mid back. Intermediate level, using barbell & rack.

IntermediateBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

SecondaryBiceps, Lats, Shoulders

Lats, mid-back, and biceps.

Setup and loading

Underhand grip at shoulder width.

How to do the reverse-grip barbell row step by step

  1. Grab the bar with your palms facing up and hinge your torso forward.
  2. Pull toward your belly button.
  3. Squeeze and lower.

Form cues

  • Back straight
  • Elbows tucked

Common mistakes

  • Raising your torso
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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.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

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

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Variations and similar exercises

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