Appears in642 Workouts*

T-Bar Row

Build a stronger back! This lever T Bar Row targets your lats, traps, and rhomboids for maximum muscle growth.

The T-Bar Row is a compound exercise that mainly works the back, with help from the traps and shoulders. You'll need: plate loaded t-bar row machine and weight plates.

T-Bar Row demo video 2
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Required Equipment

Plate Loaded T-Bar Row Machine
Plate Loaded T-Bar Row Machine
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

T-Bar Row Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)

Secondary

Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)

How to do the T-Bar Row

Lever T Bar Row Instructions

  • Weight plates (as needed)

Positioning:

  1. Begin by adjusting the weight on the T Bar Row machine to a comfortable level that allows you to maintain good form.

  2. Stand on the platform with your feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring you are stable.

  3. Bend at your hips and knees to lower your body, placing your chest against the padded support.

  4. Grip the handles firmly with both hands, keeping your arms extended.

Movement:

  1. Engage your core and keep your back straight.

  2. Pull the handles towards your lower rib cage while squeezing your shoulder blades together.

  3. Focus on maintaining a controlled motion as you pull, avoiding jerking movements.

  4. Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, extending your arms fully while keeping tension in your muscles.

  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, typically 8-12 for beginners.

Tips:

  • Keep your neck neutral and avoid looking up excessively.

  • Breathe out while pulling the handles towards you and inhale as you lower them.

  • Ensure your movement is steady and controlled throughout the exercise.

T-Bar Row FAQs

What muscles does the T-Bar Row work?

The T-Bar Row mainly works the back, with help from the traps and shoulders. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids.

What equipment do you need for the T-Bar Row?

Plate loaded t-bar row machine and weight plates.

Is the T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some T-Bar Row variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Lying Rack Row, Lying Bar Cambered Row, Lever Bent-Over Low Row and Lever Neutral-Grip Bent-Over Row.

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