Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (E-Z Curl Bar)
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
e z curl bar Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A compound back and biceps exercise performed with a reverse grip on an EZ-bar, emphasizing the biceps while building lat and back thickness.
Instructions
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
- Hold an EZ-bar with a supinated (underhand) grip, hands slightly closer than shoulder-width apart.
- Hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and your core tight, until your torso is nearly parallel to the ground.
- Let the bar hang at arm’s length in front of you; this is your starting position.
- Row the bar toward your lower chest/upper abdomen by driving your elbows back and squeezing your back muscles.
- Bring the bar to your body, pausing briefly at the top position.
- Lower the bar in a controlled manner back to the starting position, maintaining tension on your back and biceps.
- Repeat for your desired number of repetitions.
Tips
- The underhand grip increases biceps involvement compared to the traditional overhand bent-over row.
- Keep your back straight and maintain a horizontal torso throughout; avoid rounding your spine.
- The EZ-bar’s angled grip provides comfort and reduces wrist strain compared to a straight barbell.
- This is a compound movement; focus on driving your elbows back rather than just pulling with your arms.
- Keep the weight close to your body as you row; moving the bar away reduces lat activation.
- Use a weight that allows you to maintain strict form; this exercise places stress on your lower back if form breaks down.
- This variation is excellent for developing biceps while simultaneously building back thickness.
- Pair with traditional overhand rows to ensure balanced back development.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 11 kg | 7 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 10 kg | 7 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 8 kg | 5 kg |
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