Barbell Bent-Over Row primarily works the lats and upper back. It is categorized as a pull movement and uses Barbell and rack.
- Primary muscles
- lats and upper back
- Equipment
- Barbell and rack
- Movement pattern
- pull
- Catalog difficulty
- 3 of 5
How to do Barbell Bent-Over Row
- Hinge to ~45 degrees, flat back, brace
- Pull the bar to the lower ribs, squeeze the back
Common mistakes
- Standing too upright — it becomes a shrug
- Yanking with the lower back
Muscles worked
The primary catalog target is lats, with upper back also involved. Exercise feel varies with setup, range of motion, and individual anatomy.
Easier and harder options
Easier option: One-Arm Row
Related exercises and substitutions
A useful substitute should preserve the job this movement has in the session—not merely train a nearby body part. Explore the related Movviva guides below, then compare pattern, target muscles, available equipment, and difficulty.
One-Arm Row · Chest-Supported Row · Seated Cable Row · One-Arm Row · Lat Pulldown · Chin-Up (or Assisted)
Put Barbell Bent-Over Row into a plan that adapts.
Movviva builds strength, mobility, and conditioning around your goal, schedule, equipment, and completed training—then gives you the next workout with guided targets and smart swaps.