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Barbell Wide-Grip Decline Pullover

Intermediate

A barbell pullover on a decline bench that stretches and strengthens lats and lower chest for upper body hypertrophy and improved flexibility.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell, Decline Bench

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Triceps, Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

Yes

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Teres Major

Chest

9/10

Lower Chest

Triceps

5/10

Long Head

Shoulders

4/10

Rear Delts

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie supine on a decline bench with feet secured under pads and head at the lower end. Grasp a barbell with a wide overhand grip and position it over your chest with arms extended.

  1. Inhale and lower the barbell in a controlled arc behind your head, keeping arms straight with slight elbow bend.
  2. Feel a stretch in lats and chest when bar is parallel to floor.
  3. Exhale and pull the barbell back over your chest in the same arc.
  4. Contract lats and chest at the top without locking elbows.
  5. Maintain stable torso throughout the movement.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep arms mostly straight
  • Control the arc path
  • Engage lats to pull
  • Avoid arching back
  • Breathe steadily

Breathing

Inhale during the lowering phase and exhale during the pulling phase while bracing your core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower bar until arms are parallel to floor or you feel a stretch in lats and chest; return until bar is directly over chest.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if you have shoulder impingement or instability
  • Use lighter weight if new to exercise
  • Secure feet firmly on bench
  • Do not hyperextend shoulders

Spotting

Have a spotter assist with handing the barbell and support at elbows during heavy sets to prevent dropping.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum or jerky motions
  • Locking elbows
  • Lowering too far causing shoulder strain
  • Arching lower back
  • Gripping too wide causing wrist discomfort

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder pain
  • Wrist instability
  • Lower back issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexibility for extension
  • Wrist mobility for wide grip

Build Up First

  • Master basic pullover form
  • Comfort with decline bench positions

Also known as

Decline Barbell Pullover, Wide-Grip Decline Pullover, Barbell Decline Pullover

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