Barbell T-Bar Row

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Intermediate

A landmine-anchored barbell row that targets lats, rhomboids, and traps to build back thickness and strength; uses neutral grip for shoulder comfort and posture improvement.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell, Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Weightlifting
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

10/10

Teres Major

Traps

8/10

Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

7/10

Rear Delts

Biceps

6/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor one end of the barbell in a landmine or corner, load plates on the free end, and attach a V-grip handle under the bar. Straddle the bar with feet shoulder-width apart.

  1. Hinge at hips to bend forward until torso is at 45 degrees, keeping back neutral and knees slightly bent.
  2. Let arms hang extended, gripping the V-handle with neutral grip.
  3. Brace core and pull elbows back to draw handle to lower chest, squeezing shoulder blades.
  4. Pause briefly at peak contraction.
  5. Extend arms slowly to lower weight, maintaining torso angle.
  6. Repeat without letting weight touch floor.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Pull with elbows
  • Squeeze shoulder blades
  • Keep back flat
  • Drive elbows back
  • Neutral spine always
  • Avoid shrugging shoulders

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weight; exhale forcefully as you pull and brace core throughout.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

From full arm extension with torso at 45 degrees to handle touching lower chest, keeping back neutral without rounding.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Use lighter weight if hip hinge is weak
  • Ensure secure anchor to prevent slippage
  • Stop if shoulder or back pain occurs
  • Brace core to protect spine
  • Start with bodyweight hinge if beginner

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; use safeties or machine if available for heavy loads to assist on failed reps.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back
  • Using momentum to yank
  • Standing too upright
  • Flaring elbows out
  • Letting weight drop fast
  • Shrugging on pull

When to Avoid

  • Lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent spinal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder internal rotation
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in bent-over row
  • Core bracing technique
  • Hip hinge competency

Also known as

Landmine T-Bar Row, T-Bar Row, V-Grip T-Bar Row

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