Barbell Incline Bench Reverse-Grip Row exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Barbell Incline Bench Reverse-Grip Row

Intermediate

Chest-supported barbell row with underhand grip targeting lats, rhomboids, and upper back to build strength and posture; emphasizes controlled pulls with reduced lower back strain.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell, Incline Bench

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Forearms

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Traps

7/10

Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Biceps

6/10

Long Head, Short Head

Shoulders

4/10

Rear Delts

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust incline bench to 30-45 degrees. Lie face down with chest on pad, feet flat on floor. Grasp barbell underhand at shoulder width, arms extended.

  1. Engage core and retract shoulders.
  2. Pull barbell to lower ribcage, leading with elbows.
  3. Squeeze shoulder blades at top.
  4. Pause briefly in contraction.
  5. Lower barbell slowly to full extension.
  6. Maintain chest contact with bench.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze shoulder blades together.
  • Keep elbows close to sides.
  • Chest stays pressed to bench.
  • Pull with back, not arms.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the barbell; exhale as you pull it toward your body while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms fully extended below chest; pull until bar touches upper abdomen, elbows at 90 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder injury
  • Use lighter weight if wrist discomfort
  • Ensure stable bench
  • Stop if lower back pain occurs

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; assist by stabilizing bar if form breaks or use safeties on rack if available.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back
  • Using momentum to jerk weight
  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Letting bar drift forward

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder extension to 90 degrees
  • Thoracic mobility for retraction

Build Up First

  • Master basic seated row form
  • Hip hinge proficiency for setup

Also known as

Reverse Grip Incline Bench Row, Supinated Grip Incline Row, Underhand Incline Bench Row

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.