Incline Bench Pull

Learn how to do incline bench pull with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.

BackBarbell7 technique steps

See the movement
Incline Bench Pull: matching illustrations comparing the setup and movement positions
01Set your position02Make the movement

How to do incline bench pull

  1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
  2. Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
  3. Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
  4. Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
  5. As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
  6. Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
  7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Incline Bench Pull exercise illustration

Incline Bench Pull: muscles worked

Primary focus: back. Supporting muscles: Shoulders.

Better reps before more weight.

Start with a version you can control. Record the same setup and range each time. Add reps or a small load increase when you can repeat the movement without changing the technique.

Plan your next set

Frequently asked questions

How do you do incline bench pull?

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees. Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor. Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.

What muscles does incline bench pull work?

Incline Bench Pull primarily trains the back, with the shoulders contributing. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

What is the best technique for incline bench pull?

Rehearse the setup with a manageable load or easy variation. Follow the exercise-specific steps below through a controlled range. Repeat the same setup each set and stop when you lose control of the movement.

What can I do instead of incline bench pull?

Related options include Bent Over Barbell Row, Straight Bar Bench Mid Rows, Barbell Deadlift. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.

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