Barbell Lying Rack Row
Strengthen your back & improve posture! The Barbell Lying Rack Row builds serious upper body strength. Get ready to row!
The Barbell Lying Rack Row is a compound exercise that mainly works the back and shoulders, with help from the traps. You'll need: exercise bench or barbell.
Required Equipment


Barbell Lying Rack Row Muscles Worked
Primary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Barbell Lying Rack Row Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Barbell Lying Rack Row
Setup:
Begin by setting up a flat bench or a rack. Ensure it is stable and at a comfortable height for your body.
Load the barbell with the desired amount of weight, if needed. Make sure it is securely fastened.
Positioning:
Lie face down on the bench. Position your torso so it rests comfortably on the bench while your feet remain on the floor.
Extend your arms straight down towards the barbell, gripping it with an overhand grip (palms facing down). Your hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Body Alignment:
Keep your legs straight and your feet grounded for stability.
Maintain a slight bend in your elbows, and ensure your head and neck are neutral, looking down rather than tucking your chin or leaning too far forward.
Movement:
Engage your back muscles as you pull the barbell towards your chest. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you lift the weight.
Keep your elbows close to your body and avoid using momentum; the movement should be controlled.
Lift the barbell until it reaches your chest or slightly above, while keeping your torso pressed against the bench.
Return:
Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arms while maintaining control.
Avoid letting the weights drop quickly; instead, create a smooth and controlled lowering motion.
Repetitions:
Perform the desired number of repetitions, typically between 8 to 12 for strength training. Rest for a short period between sets if needed.
Tips:
Focus on form rather than lifting heavy weights, especially as a beginner.
Make sure to breathe – inhale as you lower the barbell and exhale as you lift it.
If you feel strain in your back or neck, reassess your positioning to ensure proper alignment.
Barbell Lying Rack Row FAQs
What muscles does the Barbell Lying Rack Row work?
The Barbell Lying Rack Row mainly works the back and shoulders, with help from the traps. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and posterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Lying Rack Row?
Exercise bench or barbell.
Is the Barbell Lying Rack Row a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Barbell Lying Rack Row go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Barbell Lying Rack Row variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Barbell Lying Seal Rack Row, Barbell Incline Row, Barbell Lying Close-Grip Underhand Rack Row and Barbell Supinated Pendlay Row.
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