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Upper back exercise · body weight

Suspended Row

The suspended row is a bodyweight exercise that targets the upper back, with the biceps and shoulders assisting.

Animated demonstration of the suspended row
Suspended Row — demonstration
Target muscle
Upper back
Also works
Biceps, shoulders
Equipment
Body weight
Body part
Back

How to do the suspended row

  1. Set up a suspension trainer at an appropriate height.
  2. Stand facing the anchor point with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Hold the handles with an overhand grip, palms facing each other.
  4. Lean back, keeping your body straight and your heels on the ground.
  5. Pull your chest towards the handles, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  6. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower yourself back to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

Start with 3 sets of 10–15 reps, resting 45–60 seconds. When every set feels easy, add reps, slow the lowering phase or move to a harder variation.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the upper back. The biceps and shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all upper back exercises or every bodyweight exercise.

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