Including barbell row in your workout routine? Here are the benefits of it

How barbell row exercise works? (image by master1305 on freepik)
How barbell row exercise works? (image by master1305 on freepik)

In the field of fitness, barbell row is one of the most important workouts for upper-body weightlifting. Barbell row targets a specific group of muscles which makes it a great fit for strength-training exercises. It usually involves two steps and includes many muscles, especially the upper body, and it is an amazing way to build a chiseled upper body.

There are agonist and synergist muscle groups involved to perform this workout. In this article, we will learn about how the barbell row muscles work, the possible benefits of this workout, and preventive measures to take before adding this exercise to your workout plan.


Muscles involved in Barbell row workout

Barbell row workout includes many muscle groups (image by freepik on freepik)
Barbell row workout includes many muscle groups (image by freepik on freepik)

While performing this exercise, many muscle groups are involved. Some of them are mentioned below:

1. During the barbell row exercise, Rhomboids stretch from the upper spine to the shoulder blades, which is essential in steadying and retracting the shoulder blades.

2. The two, V-shaped, enormous muscles on both sides of the spine are the foremost movers which contribute remarkably to the pulling motion of the barbell row.

3. To improve the back power and provide aid in shoulder blade retraction, Middle and Lower traps help a lot by extending down the neck, across the shoulders, and into the upper back.

4. While doing the row, the back shoulder muscle, attached to the shoulder blade, known as the Posterior Deltoid, is sparked, which highlights the significance of complete upper back engagement.

5. While doing barbell row, some synergist muscle supports the whole exercise like the biceps. Those thick muscles do a fine job of supporting the flexion of elbows.

6. The muscles of the shoulder and shoulder blades support the overall movement done during exercise and specifically the stability of the shoulder.

7. Muscles of the forearm give strength to hold on to the bar and also provide stability to the forearm. By providing stability, it is easier to control the barbell row and do at least 10-15 reps.

8. To support the upper back, muscle groups are responsible which are situated on either side of the spine. These muscle groups provide stability and maintain the balance of the overall upper back.


Benefits of doing a barbell row

It is advised to keep your upper back straight and flat during barbell row exercise. (image by freepik on freepik)
It is advised to keep your upper back straight and flat during barbell row exercise. (image by freepik on freepik)

There are various benefits of performing barbell row exercises and they are mentioned below:

1. Barbell row exercise provides abdominal strength which ultimately impacts positively while doing other activities and workouts. Various muscle groups involved during the exercise directly strengthen the overall abdomen.

2. It also benefits the overall hip movement. The exercise involves bending, which is supported by the hip hinge. This improves your performance in sports by providing the ability to apply force and strength.

3. While the upper body benefits, this exercise also provides strength to the leg muscles. It enhances stability as you do a half-squat and bend forward.


Preventive measures during a barbell row exercise

There are certain considerations that an individual must follow in order to take its benefit fully and they are:

1. People complaining about back pain or having any injuries should not perform this exercise without seeking proper guidance.

2. Get your workout routine ready with the help of a physical trainer or a professional doctor.

3. Overdoing barbell rows with heavier weights can cause injury and won't give any optimal results.

4. To make the barbell row more effective, start with an empty bar with no weights and slowly add weights to familiarize your body with the exercise.

5. Avoid mistakes like improper alignment of elbows towards your back, dropping your angle, and bending your upper back forward. Your back should be straight.


In conclusion, we can say that barbell row is a simple yet effective exercise and when done with proper techniques and guidance, it can work wonders on your body and will help you get your desired body structure.

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