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T-Bar Row

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Intermediatepull

Home Setup

Place barbell end in corner with towel for protection

BarbellCorner wallTowelWeight platesV-handle or towel grip

💡 Pro tip: Use a heavy dumbbell on the stationary end for stability if no corner available

Gym Setup

T-bar row machine or landmine attachment with V-handle

Safety: Keep neutral spine throughout, brace core, avoid rounding lower back

💪 Muscles Worked

Latissimus DorsiRhomboidsMiddle TrapeziusRear DeltoidsBiceps

⭐ Why This Exercise?

The T-Bar Row is exceptional for building back thickness and density, particularly targeting the mid-back region with a natural pulling path that allows for heavy loading. The fixed pivot point provides stability that enables lifters to focus on muscle contraction and achieve a deep stretch at the bottom, making it ideal for hypertrophy-focused training with reduced lower back strain compared to free-standing bent-over rows.

Make It Easier

Regressions for building up strength

1. Chest-Supported T-Bar Row

chest-supported T-bar machine

Removes lower back stress and stabilization requirement

2. Seated Cable Row

cable machine + bench

Provides back support and controlled movement path

3. Inverted Row

barbell + smith machine

Uses bodyweight with adjustable difficulty

Make It Harder

Progressions for advanced athletes

1. Single-Arm Landmine Row

barbell + landmine attachment

Unilateral movement increases stability demand

2. Meadows Row

barbell + landmine attachment

Advanced single-arm variation with greater range

3. T-Bar Row with Pause

T-bar row machine + barbell + weight plates

Adds isometric hold at contraction

↕️ Similar Movements

Barbell Bent-Over Row
Similar horizontal pull with free weight
Dumbbell Row
Unilateral horizontal pull variation
Chest-Supported Row
Removes lower back involvement
Lat Pulldown
Vertical pull for similar muscle groups
Deadlift
Develops hip hinge pattern and posterior chain

Form Checklist

Hinge at hips with slight knee bend
Keep chest up and back flat
Pull bar to lower chest/upper abdomen
Squeeze shoulder blades together at top
Control the descent

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back
  • Using too much momentum
  • Not achieving full range of motion
  • Pulling too high toward neck
  • Standing too upright

📈 When to Progress

When you can perform 12 reps with controlled form for 3 sets without lower back fatigue