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Lats exercise · barbell

Barbell Pullover

The barbell pullover is a barbell exercise that targets the lats, with the chest and triceps assisting.

Animated demonstration of the barbell pullover
Barbell Pullover — demonstration
Target muscle
Lats
Also works
Chest, triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Body part
Back

How to do the barbell pullover

  1. Lie flat on a bench with your head at one end and your feet on the floor.
  2. Hold a barbell with a shoulder-width grip and extend your arms straight above your chest.
  3. Keeping your arms straight, lower the barbell behind your head in a controlled manner until you feel a stretch in your lats.
  4. Pause for a moment, then raise the barbell back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the lats. The chest and triceps work as secondary muscles. See all lat exercises or every barbell exercise.

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