Barbell Rear Delt Row

Stand up straight while holding a barbell using a wide (higher than shoulder width) and overhand (palms facing your body) grip. Bend knees slightly and bend over as you keep the natural arch of your back. Let the arms hang in front of you as they hold the bar. Once your torso is parallel to the floor, flare the elbows out and away from your body. Tip: Your torso and your arms should resemble the letter "T". Now you are ready to begin the exercise. While keeping the upper arms perpendicular to the torso, pull the barbell up towards your upper chest as you squeeze the rear delts and you breathe out. Tip: When performed correctly, this exercise should resemble a bench press in reverse. Also, refrain from using your biceps to do the work. Focus on targeting the rear delts; the arms should only act as hooks.

Barbell Rear Delt Row primarily trains the shoulders, with the biceps and back contributing. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

Set a secure grip and keep the chosen torso position repeatable. Move the elbows through the intended pull without a large torso swing. Return under control rather than dropping the weight or losing shoulder control.

Related options include Upright Barbell Row, Barbell Incline Shoulder Raise, Barbell Shoulder Press. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.