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Exercise Guide

How to do superman row with towel

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

The superman row with towel is a bodyweight exercise that combines lower back extension with an upper back pulling motion. While lying face down, you lift your chest and legs off the floor while pulling a towel toward your chest. This movement targets the erector spinae, traps, and rhomboids, making it an excellent exercise for improving posture and strengthening the entire posterior chain.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
None
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Lie on your stomach: Lie face down on a mat or floor with your legs extended behind you and a rolled-up towel in each hand.
  2. Superman Position: Extend your arms in front of you in the "Superman" position, palms facing down, hovering your arms and legs slightly off the ground. Engage your core by squeezing your abs and glutes.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the row: Pull the towels towards your armpits by bending your elbows and pulling your shoulder blades together. Think of retracting your shoulder blades rather than simply rowing with your arms.
  2. Squeeze at the top: Pause briefly at the top of the row, focusing on a strong contraction in your upper back muscles.
  3. Controlled lowering: Slowly reverse the movement, returning to the Superman position with control. Avoid dropping your arms and legs too quickly.
  4. Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions with smooth, focused movements.

Tips:

  • Focus on your back: Concentrate on the feeling of your upper back muscles working throughout the movement.
  • Maintain Engaged Core: Keep your core tight to protect your lower back and increase the challenge.
  • Breathe: Exhale as you row, inhale as you descend.

Variations

  • Weighted: Hold small dumbbells instead of towels for added resistance.

Common mistakes: Lifting the chest too high and straining the neck, and neglecting to squeeze the shoulder blades together.

Alternatives

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Lat Pulldown

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Dumbbell

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Pull Up Bar

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Lat Pulldown

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Pull Up Bar

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Lat Pulldown

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Row Cable

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Cable

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Bench

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Low Row Machine

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Pulldown Machine

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Lat Pulldown

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High Row Machine

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Row Cable

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Seated Row Machine

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Cable

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superman row with towel

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Kettlebell

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Dumbbell

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Resistance Band

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Rowing Machine

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