How to perform Bodyweight Vertical Row with proper form
Starting Position
- Grip: Grab a bar or rings at about chest height with an overhand grip.
- Body: Set your feet almost directly under the bar so your torso stays high and upright.
- Line: Brace your core and keep a straight line from head to heels, leaning back only slightly.
Movement
-
Pulling Phase:
- Retract your shoulder blades, then pull your chest toward the bar.
- Lead with your elbows and keep your body rigid.
- Pull until your chest reaches the bar.
-
Lowering Phase:
- Lower under control back to straight arms.
- Keep your torso upright and your hips from sagging.
- Reach a full stretch before the next rep.
Key Points
- Because your torso is nearly vertical, you pull only a small fraction of your bodyweight - this is the easiest row variation.
- As you get stronger, walk your feet forward to lower your torso and make each rep harder.
- Keep the movement strict; leading with the shoulder blades trains the back for full inverted rows later.
Exercises
Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back, Triceps
Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back, Triceps
Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back
Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs
Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back
Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back, Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back, Triceps
Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back, Triceps
Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Crow Pose, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps, Chest, Abs, Forearms
Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back
Face Pull, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back
Front Raise, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back
Front Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back
Front Raise, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back
Front Raise, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back
Front Raise, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back
Handstand, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Back, Triceps, Chest, Abs
Handstand Push Up, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Back, Triceps