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Exercise Guide
How to do t-bar row
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The T-bar row is a classic back-building compound exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and middle traps. By pulling a weighted barbell that is anchored at one end, you can move heavy weight in a controlled arc. This movement is essential for developing back thickness and strength, and it provides a unique angle of pull compared to standard barbell or dumbbell rows.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Landmine, Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- T-Bar: Load the desired weight onto the T-bar machine.
- Stance: Stand facing the machine and straddle the bar, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip: Hinge at your hips and bend your knees slightly to grasp the handles with a neutral or overhand grip.
- Back Position: Keep your back flat or slightly arched, with your chest lifted.
- Starting Position: Allow the weight to hang with your arms fully extended.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the handles towards your torso, driving your elbows back. Keep your back straight and core engaged.
- Squeeze at the Top: Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement, holding the contraction for a moment.
- Controlled Lowering: Inhale and slowly lower the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as it goes down.
- Reset: Briefly pause and reset your posture, then begin the next repetition.
Tips:
- Focus on the Back: Think about initiating the movement from your back muscles (lats, rhomboids, traps), not just your arms.
- Elbow Path: Keep your elbows close to your body as you row.
- Torso Angle: Maintain a consistent angle in your torso throughout the movement. Avoid excessively rounding your back or hyperextending at the top.
- Control the weight: Do not let the weight drop quickly but rather lower it under control.
Variations:
- Grip Variations: You can experiment with different grips (wide, close, neutral) to emphasize different muscles in your back.
- Chest Supported T-Bar Row: A variation of this row done on a chest supported machine
Common mistakes: Jerking the weight with the torso, rounding the lumbar spine, and failing to squeeze the shoulder blades together 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