How to perform Barbell Pendlay Row with proper form
Setup
- Equipment: Use a barbell and place it on the floor in front of you.
- Stance: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your shins close to the barbell.
Grip
- Grip the Bar: Bend at the hips and knees to lower your torso.
- Hand Position: Use an overhand grip, approximately shoulder-width apart.
Positioning
- Back Angle: Keep your back flat and parallel to the floor.
- Hips: Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees, creating a stable base.
Execution
- Lift the Bar: Engage your back and pull the barbell towards your lower chest or upper abdomen.
- Elbow Path: Keep elbows close to your body as you row.
- Upper Body: Maintain the flat back position throughout the movement.
Return
- Controlled Descent: Lower the barbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
- Core Engagement: Keep your core tight to maintain stability.
Key Points
- Breathing: Inhale as you lower the bar, exhale as you lift.
- Avoid Momentum: Do not use momentum; focus on muscle engagement.
- Alignment: Ensure your neck stays neutral; avoid looking up or excessively hunching forward.
By following these steps, you can perform the Barbell Pendlay Row with proper form to effectively target your back muscles.
Exercises

Ab Wheel, Bodyweight
Type: Core
Target: Abs
Synergist: Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Back, Chest

Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back

Back Extension, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Back Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs

Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back

Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Bench Dip, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Back, Chest

Bench Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Chest
Synergist: Shoulders, Triceps

Bench Press Close Grip, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest

Bench Press Close Grip, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Triceps
Synergist: Shoulders, Chest