Reverse-Grip Barbell Row

Technique

Hinge at the hips until your torso is roughly parallel to the floor and grip the barbell with a reverse (underhand, supinated) grip at shoulder-width. Pull the bar toward your lower abdomen, keeping your elbows close to your body. Squeeze your shoulder blades and biceps at the top. Lower the bar under control without letting it touch the floor.

Steps

1. Grip the bar underhand at shoulder-width and stand with your feet about hip-width apart
2. Hinge at the hips until your torso is roughly parallel to the floor
3. Brace your trunk and let the bar hang beneath your shoulders
4. Pull the bar toward your lower abdomen with your elbows close to your sides
5. Squeeze your shoulder blades and biceps at the top
6. Lower the bar under control without letting it touch the floor

Common mistakes

• Rounding the lower back during the hip hinge
• Rising upright to create momentum as the bar is pulled
• Flaring the elbows away from the torso
• Curling the wrists to force the bar higher

Variations

• Close-grip reverse-grip barbell row
• Wide-grip reverse-grip barbell row
• Reverse-grip Pendlay row
• Smith machine reverse-grip row

FAQ