Upright Row (Barbell)

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

A pulling exercise where the barbell is lifted vertically from hip height to shoulder height with elbows held high, targeting the shoulders and upper back.

Instructions

  1. Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the barbell at hip height with an overhand grip slightly narrower than shoulder-width.
  2. Keep your chest upright and core engaged throughout the movement.
  3. Pull the barbell upward by driving your elbows high and wide, raising it to about chest height.
  4. Keep the barbell close to your body as it moves vertically.
  5. Lower the barbell with control back to hip height, fully extending your arms at the bottom.

Tips

  • Maintain upright posture and avoid leaning backward during the pull.
  • Keep your elbows higher than the bar throughout the movement.
  • Use a grip width that feels comfortable; a narrower grip emphasizes traps while a wider grip emphasizes deltoids.
  • The movement should be smooth and controlled, not jerky.
  • This exercise can stress the shoulder joint, so use proper form and consider your shoulder mobility and health.

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 22.5 kg 12.5 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 20 kg 10 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 15 kg 7.5 kg

Alternatives

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

beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength