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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:
- Barbell Placement: Set a barbell on a squat rack at waist or hip height.
- 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.
- Foot and Leg Position: Bend your knees and plant your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
The Lift:
- Pull Upward: Initiate the movement by pulling your chest up towards the bar. Lead with your elbows, keeping them close to your body.
- 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.
- 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