Upper Back
How to do it
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Stand with feet hip-width apart and grip the bar slightly wider than your shoulders, palms facing you.
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Push the hips back until your torso is about 45 degrees over, back flat and chest lifted.
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Let the bar hang straight under your shoulders, knees softly bent, abs braced.
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Row the bar to your navel with the elbows tracking close to your ribs until it touches the lower stomach.
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Squeeze the shoulder blades for a second, then lower under control to full arm extension.
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Keep the same torso angle from the first rep to the last.
Common mistakes
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Standing up a little more each rep until the lift becomes a standing shrug.
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Rounding the back because the load is too heavy.
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Rowing to the chest with flared elbows so the rear delts burn out and the lats miss the work.
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Yanking the bar off the floor with hip momentum.
Tips
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Stand on a plate or low step so the bar can travel fully without hitting the floor.
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If your lower back gives out first, switch to a chest-supported version.
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Use straps only when your grip is the limiting factor, not your back.
Secondary muscles
Alternatives
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