Intermediate
11 Barbell Row Mistakes and How To Fix Them
Coach's take: Explains the mechanics, not just the cues - this is as good as it gets for this topic.
4.0
Barbell row
Gym (men) / Popular
The missing horizontal pull: row with a braced, flat back.
What coaches agree on
- Lower the bar all the way down for a full stretch at the bottom of every rep, then pull it up until it touches your torso at the top.
- Where you grip and pull to changes what you build: a narrower grip pulled toward your waist targets your lats, while a wider grip pulled toward your chest targets your upper back and rear delts.
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- Initiate the row by driving your elbows straight back, letting your hands act as hooks rather than the prime movers.
Common mistakes
- Rounding the lower back, usually from bending at the waist instead of hinging at the hips, or from trying to go deeper than your hamstrings allow.
- Yanking or heaving the bar up with momentum from the hips and knees instead of pulling it with a controlled, steady motion.
Intermediate
The Barbell Row with Mark Rippetoe
Coach's take: Deep, precise, and it'll change how you judge your own reps.
3.8
Intermediate
The BEST Way To Barbell Row For Back THICKNESS + WIDTH (The Final Answer)
Coach's take: Explains the 'why' behind form choices, not just the 'how' - genuinely useful.
3.8
Advanced
Maximize Whole Back Growth On The Barbell Row | Targeting The Muscle
Coach's take: Excellent, science-backed detail for refining an already-decent row.
3.8
Beginner
"How To" Barbell Row
Coach's take: Clear, complete, and the elbow-pulling cue alone is worth the watch.
3.7
Intermediate
How to do Barbell Rows PROPERLY for a Big Back (AVOID MISTAKES!)
Coach's take: One of the more thorough, biomechanically sound row breakdowns out there.
3.7
Beginner
How To Barbell Row
Coach's take: One of the clearest, most teachable row tutorials in this batch.
3.6
Intermediate
Barbell Bent Row Test (RIGHT vs WRONG!)
Coach's take: This is the one to send someone who keeps getting shoulder pain from rows.
3.5
Intermediate
Barbell Row Perfect Form For Maximum Gains - Dorian Yates
Coach's take: Great demo from a legitimate source, just brief - assumes you already know the basics.
3.5
Beginner
How To MASTER The Barbell Row *Don't Make These Mistakes!* | Form Check | Men's Health Muscle
Coach's take: Clear, safety-focused breakdown of proper barbell row setup.
3.5
Beginner
How to do the BENT-OVER BARBELL ROW! | 2 Minute Tutorial
Coach's take: Efficient, accurate walkthrough of the full movement.
3.5
Intermediate
How To Build a Thick Back With Perfect Rowing Technique (Pendlay Row/ Helms Row)
Coach's take: Thorough, evidence-based technique breakdown - very solid.
3.3
Intermediate
Build Your Back: Bent Over Barbell Row - The KING of Upper Back Builders
Coach's take: Explains the why and the how, both solid.
3.3
Advanced
Barbell Rows For a Thick Back! (Top 5 Tips)
Coach's take: Smart, specific fix for a problem most lifters don't even know they have.
3.2
Beginner
How To: Barbell Bent-Over Row
Coach's take: Does exactly what a first lesson on this lift should do.
3.1
Intermediate
Barbell Rows To Build A THICK BACK!
Coach's take: Good cues, just a bit less polished than the top options here.
3.1
Intermediate
the correct way to do a barbell row
Coach's take: Good practical form cues from someone who's clearly lifted a long time.
3.0
Intermediate
Do You Know How To Do Barbell Rows? - Starting Strength Radio Clips
Coach's take: Sharp correction to a common mental error, just brief.
3.0
Advanced
How to do The Barbell Pendlay Row Exercise | 2 Minute Tutorials
Coach's take: Quick, correct intro to the Pendlay row with the right prerequisite warning.
2.5
Intermediate
Back Rows - Cables, Barbell or Dumbbells (2 BEST TIPS!)
Coach's take: Try the wrist-back cue on your next set — it's an easy, real fix.
2.5
Intermediate
The "Seal Row": A Unique Exercise For A Bigger Back
Coach's take: Well taught, just for a cousin of the main lift.
2.1
Advanced
IFBB Pro SHOCKED When We Fix His Barbell Row (You’re rowing the WRONG Way)
Coach's take: Good cues in there, but you have to wade through a lot of noise.
1.9
Intermediate
START Doing Barbell Rows But…
Coach's take: Handy pre-row warmup, doesn't teach the row itself.
1.8
Intermediate
Exercise Index - One Arm Barbell Row
Coach's take: Useful form cues on stretch and torso control, even if the exercise itself is a variation.
1.6
Intermediate
The Chest Supported Row (Benefits & Proper Form)
Coach's take: Nicely taught, just not the specific lift in question.
1.6