Health Dictionary
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Bent-over row
Introduction
A bent-over row is a weight training exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi muscle.
The exercise is performed with one knee and one hand on the same side of the body braced on a bench with the back straight and parallel to the ground, and the other hand holding a weight with the arm extended. The weight is lifted towards the hip until elbow bends past 90° and the humerus is in line with the back, then lowered to the original position.
A variation of this exercise can be performed using a barbell. This version uses both arms to lift a barbell from the floor to the stomach in a bent-forward position. The hands are kept pronated and the back straight.
The bent over row is a much used exercise in training for both bodybuilding and powerlifting as it is a good exercise for increasing strength if carried out correctly.