Upright Row (Band)

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
bands
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A pulling exercise using resistance bands that targets the shoulders and upper back. Effective for shoulder development and improving shoulder stability and posture.

Instructions

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, band anchored under your feet.
  2. Hold the band handles with hands about hip-width apart, arms extended at your sides.
  3. Keep your core tight and maintain an upright posture.
  4. Pull the band upward by leading with your elbows, raising them out to the sides.
  5. Raise your hands toward your shoulders, keeping the band handles close to your body.
  6. Stop when the band handles reach approximately shoulder height.
  7. Slowly lower the band back to the starting position with control.
  8. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • Keep your elbows high and out to the sides throughout the movement.
  • This exercise can be performed with a wider or narrower grip based on preference.
  • Maintain an upright posture without excessive leaning.
  • The band provides increasing resistance as you raise it higher.
  • Proper shoulder mechanics are important to avoid impingement issues.

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
Gain strength 3 7 reps
Build muscle 3 10 reps
Build endurance 3 14 reps

Alternatives

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

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beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Face Pull with External Rotation (Band)

Learn more about face pull with external rotation (band)
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One-Arm Upright Row (Smith Machine)

One-Arm Upright Row (Smith Machine)

Learn more about one-arm upright row (smith machine)
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