Target Muscle

    Upper Back

    Equipment

    Body Weight

    Difficulty

    Beginner

    Category

    Strength

    Bodyweight Standing Row

    The bodyweight standing row is a back exercise that targets the upper back using only body weight for resistance. It also engages the bicep and shoulders as secondary muscles. The movement involves pulling a bar or handles towards the body while standing, focusing on squeezing the shoulder blades together.

    Also Works

    BicepsShoulders

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.

    2. 2

      Grasp a bar or handles with an overhand grip, palms facing down.

    3. 3

      Keep your back straight and core engaged.

    4. 4

      Pull the bar or handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

    5. 5

      Pause for a moment at the top of the movement.

    6. 6

      Slowly release and extend your arms back to the starting position.

    7. 7

      Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Lean back until your arms are fully extended and your body is at an angle that challenges you for 10-15 reps.
    • Pull your chest toward the bar or handles by driving your elbows back, not by bending at the hips.
    • Squeeze your shoulder blades together hard at the top of each rep and hold for one second.

    Common Mistakes

    • Standing too upright, which makes the exercise too easy and provides little training benefit for the back muscles.
    • Bending at the hips during the pull instead of keeping the body rigid like a plank.
    • Only pulling with the arms and not engaging the upper back muscles to retract the shoulder blades.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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