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Exercise Guide

How to do inverted row bend knees

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The inverted row with bent knees is a foundational pulling exercise that builds upper body strength, particularly in the back and biceps. By bending the knees, you reduce the weight being lifted, making it a more accessible variation of the standard inverted row. It is excellent for developing the pulling power necessary for pull-ups while emphasizing scapular retraction and posture.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Squat Rack
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Rear Shoulder, Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Barbell Placement: Set a barbell on a squat rack at waist or hip height.
  2. Starting Position: Lie on the floor underneath the barbell, facing up. Position your body so that you can reach the bar with arms extended, using an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  3. Foot and Leg Position: Bend your knees and plant your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.

The Lift:

  1. Pull Upward: Initiate the movement by pulling your chest up towards the bar. Lead with your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
  2. Chest to Bar: Continue pulling until your chest (or upper chest, depending on your strength and flexibility) touches the barbell. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top.
  3. Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position, extending your arms fully.

Tips:

  • Body Alignment: Maintain a straight line from your shoulders to your knees throughout the movement.
  • Engage Your Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine and prevent any arching or sagging in your back.
  • Scapular Retraction: Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
  • Variations: If this variation is too challenging, try a barbell row with your feet elevated on a bench. If you want more challenge, elevate your feet on a stability ball.

Common mistakes: Sagging the hips, pulling with the neck and chin rather than the chest, and failing to reach the bar with the chest at the top.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

pull up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

BackRear Shoulder
Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

BackRear Shoulder
Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

BackBiceps+1
Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

BackBiceps+1
Landmine

t-bar row

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine

machine low row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine

machine high row

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable low seated row

BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

BackRear Shoulder
None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

BackBiceps
None

superman row with towel

BackBiceps
Row Cable

cable seated row(rope)

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring high suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

BackChest+2
Resistance Band

band seated row

BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

BackQuads+2