Back to exercises
StrengthbeginnerBarbell

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row

Primary
Middle Back
Secondary
Biceps, Lats, Lower Back, Traps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
beginner

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row demonstration

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row, starting position
Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row, starting position
Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row, finishing position
Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Put weight on one of the ends of an Olympic barbell. Make sure that you either place the other end of the barbell in the corner of two walls; or put a heavy object on the ground so the barbell cannot slide backward.
  2. 2Bend forward until your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can and keep your knees slightly bent.
  3. 3Now grab the bar with one arm just behind the plates on the side where the weight was placed and put your other hand on your knee. This will be your starting position.
  4. 4Pull the bar straight up with your elbow in (to maximize back stimulation) until the plates touch your lower chest. Squeeze the back muscles as you lift the weight up and hold for a second at the top of the movement. Breathe out as you lift the weight. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
  5. 5Slowly lower the bar to the starting position getting a nice stretch on the lats. Tip: Do not let the plates touch the floor. To ensure the best range of motion, I recommend using small plates (25-lb ones) as opposed to larger plates (like 35-45lb ones).
  6. 6Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and switch arms.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •This is a great exercise for beginners - focus on form over reps
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
Middle BackBicepsLatsLower BackTraps

Exercise Details

Category
Strength
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
beginner

Want workout programs?

Get structured workout plans using this exercise and more.

Browse Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row work?

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row primarily targets the Middle Back. It also works the Biceps, Lats, Lower Back, Traps as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row?

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row requires Barbell.

Is Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row suitable for beginners?

Yes, Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row is suitable for beginners. It's classified as a beginner-level exercise.

Alternatives to Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.