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Bent over rows form: is Parallel Torso Superior or Inferior?


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Does anyone else do bent over rows with their back perfectly parallel to the ground? I just started doing them this way a couple months ago, and they are way more difficult. I return the bar to the ground on each rep and make sure it also touches my chest, so I end up using less weight, yet it is more difficult and uses the lower back a lot for stability. I feel like the difficulty should translate to better strength gains in rowing movements, but is this a superior or inferior way to preform the exercise for the sake of middle back hypertrophy? It sure feels better than just being bent over at a 45 degree angle.

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I actually do inclined, horizontal, and declined bent over rows because they work on such different parts of the back. I too think the horizontal are the hardest because it engages the back muscles along their shortest span.

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Does anyone else do bent over rows with their back perfectly parallel to the ground? I just started doing them this way a couple months ago, and they are way more difficult. I return the bar to the ground on each rep and make sure it also touches my chest, so I end up using less weight, yet it is more difficult and uses the lower back a lot for stability. I feel like the difficulty should translate to better strength gains in rowing movements, but is this a superior or inferior way to preform the exercise for the sake of middle back hypertrophy? It sure feels better than just being bent over at a 45 degree angle.

 

 

I'd recommend the "Yates" style Barbell Row, using a reverse grip (which puts the biceps into their strongest position, making them less of a weak link), with the upper body at a 70 degree angle, pulling the resistance into the waist. This is a superior movement for developing lat thickness/mass. I personally don't use it anymore due to low back issues, so these days i prefer low incline bench D-B Rows.

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I'd recommend the "Yates" style Barbell Row, using a reverse grip (which puts the biceps into their strongest position, making them less of a weak link), with the upper body at a 70 degree angle, pulling the resistance into the waist. This is a superior movement for developing lat thickness/mass. I personally don't use it anymore due to low back issues, so these days i prefer low incline bench D-B Rows.

 

+1 to this!

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