Resistance Band Row

Beginner
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A horizontal pulling exercise using a resistance band that targets the lats, rhomboids, and traps to build upper back strength and improve posture; adaptable for all levels with scalable tension.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Forearms

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Traps

8/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

6/10

Rear Delts

Biceps

6/10

Long Head, Short Head

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on the floor with legs extended, loop the resistance band around your feet, and hold the handles with arms straight out in front of you.

  1. Brace your core and sit tall with a neutral spine.
  2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together to start the pull.
  3. Drive your elbows back, keeping them close to your sides.
  4. Pull the band toward your torso until hands reach your rib cage.
  5. Squeeze your back at the end position.
  6. Slowly extend your arms to return to start, controlling the band.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze shoulder blades
  • Elbows back and down
  • Keep core braced
  • Neutral spine always
  • Control the release

Breathing

Inhale as you extend your arms; exhale as you pull the band toward your body while bracing your core.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Extend arms fully until straight with tension; pull until elbows are behind torso and hands contact rib cage.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure band to prevent slippage
  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain exists
  • Start with light resistance
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect lower back
  • Ensure anchor is stable if used

Spotting

Spotting not required; bands provide constant tension without free fall risk.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the back
  • Using momentum to pull
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Flaring elbows wide
  • Letting band snap back

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder external rotation
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Basic posture awareness
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Banded Row, Band Seated Row, Seated Band Row

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