Inverted Row (Trap Bar)

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
trap bar
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

A horizontal pulling exercise performed beneath a trap bar set at chest height, targeting the back muscles while being scalable for all fitness levels.

Instructions

  1. Set a trap bar at approximately chest height in a rack.
  2. Position yourself beneath the bar with hands gripping both handles with a neutral grip.
  3. Your body should form a straight line from heels to head, with feet elevated on a bench or platform.
  4. Pull your body upward until your chest nearly touches the bar.
  5. Squeeze your back muscles at the top of the movement.
  6. Lower yourself back down under control to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips

  • Keep your body in a straight line throughout; avoid hips sagging or piking.
  • The higher your feet elevation, the more difficult the movement becomes.
  • Beginners can start with feet lower or on the ground to reduce difficulty.
  • Focus on pulling your chest to the bar rather than just moving your hands.
  • This movement builds back strength and is accessible regardless of fitness level.

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 27.5 kg 17.5 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 25 kg 17.5 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 20 kg 12.5 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (Barbell)

Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about bent-over row reverse-grip (barbell)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Chest-Supported Incline Row (Dumbbell)

Learn more about chest-supported incline row (dumbbell)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength