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Exercise Guide

How to do t-bar row(v-grip)

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

The T-bar row using a V-grip handle is a heavy compound movement that targets the middle back, traps, and latissimus dorsi. The neutral grip allowed by the V-handle permits a greater range of motion and often allows for heavier loading. This exercise is excellent for building back thickness and overall pulling power, provided you maintain a flat back and core engagement.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Beginner to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Barbell, Landmine
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. T-Bar Machine/Landmine Attachment: If using a T-bar machine, load the desired weight. If using a landmine attachment, position the end of a barbell securely in a corner or landmine base and load the opposite end.
  2. V-Bar Attachment: Secure a V-bar attachment to the end of the T-bar or barbell.
  3. Stance and Grip: Stand facing the machine or barbell, feet shoulder-width apart. Hinge at your hips and slightly bend your knees to grasp the V-bar handles.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the V-bar handles towards your torso, leading with your elbows. Keep your elbows close to your body and your back straight.
  2. Chest Contact (Optional): Aim to pull the V-bar towards your lower chest, if comfortable.
  3. Squeeze at the Top: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  4. Controlled Lowering: Inhale and slowly lower the V-bar back to the starting position, resisting the weight as it goes down.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Lats: Concentrate on using your latissimus dorsi (the large muscles on your back) to pull the V-bar towards you.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement.
  • Neutral Spine: Maintain a natural arch in your lower back and avoid rounding your shoulders.
  • Breathing: Exhale as you pull the V-bar up and inhale as you return to the starting position.

Common mistakes: Rounding the lower back during the lift, pulling the weight with the arms rather than the back, and standing too upright which reduces the range of motion.

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