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EZ-Bar Pullover

Intermediate

EZ-bar pullover lying on a bench that targets lats and chest to build upper body strength and hypertrophy; improves shoulder mobility with controlled arc motion.

About Exercise

Equipment

EZ Bar, Flat Bench

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Chest

8/10

Lower Chest

Triceps

6/10

Long Head

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

3/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie supine on a flat bench with feet planted. Grip EZ-bar shoulder-width overhand and position it extended above chest with slight elbow bend.

  1. Inhale and lower bar in arc behind head until stretch felt in lats and chest.
  2. Keep elbows slightly bent throughout descent.
  3. Exhale and pull bar back over chest using lats and chest.
  4. Maintain core tight to avoid back arch.
  5. Return to start without locking elbows.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Slight elbow bend
  • Core braced
  • Controlled arc motion
  • Initiate with lats

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase; exhale as you pull the bar back up. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until bar is level with ears or biceps aligned with torso; pull back until arms extended over chest.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy weights if shoulder mobility limited
  • Keep back flat on bench
  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Do not hyperextend elbows

Spotting

Spotter not typically required; use safeties or light weight if needed for beginners.

Common Mistakes

  • Excessive lower back arch
  • Locking elbows
  • Jerking the weight
  • Lowering too far causing shoulder strain

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist or elbow injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion and extension

Build Up First

  • Basic upper body pressing and pulling form

Also known as

EZ Bar Pullover, Bent-Arm EZ-Bar Pullover

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