Bent-Over Row with Barbell, Wide Grip Plus

Bent-Over Row with Barbell, Wide Grip Plus
English Name Wide Grip Barbell Bent Over Row Plus
Difficulty Advanced
Exercise Types کششی, پویا
Primary Muscle (EN) Latissimus Dorsi
Muscle GroupsBack muscles Trapezius
Workout TypeStrength training Stretching
Required equipmentBarbell

💠 Exercise guide

The Bent-Over Wide-Grip Barbell Row Plus is an advanced variation of the standard wide-grip barbell row, performed in two consecutive phases: first, retracting the shoulder blades without involving the arms, and then pulling the barbell toward the torso. This combination effectively strengthens the back muscles and enhances scapular function.

💠 How to perform the exercise

Bent-Over Row with Barbell, Wide Grip Plus

Preparation

✅ Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and back straight.
✅ Hinge forward at the hips until your torso is at about a 45-degree angle.
✅ Hold the barbell with your hands positioned 4 to 6 inches wider than shoulder width, using an overhand grip.

Execution method

✅ Phase 1 (Scapular Retraction):
Without bending your elbows, draw your shoulder blades toward each other to activate the back muscles. Hold briefly.

✅ Phase 2 (Row):
Maintaining scapular engagement, bend your elbows and pull the barbell toward your upper abdomen or just below the chest. At the top, squeeze your shoulder blades together even more. Then slowly lower the barbell and release the shoulder blades

Coaching tips and recommendations

✔ Perform the scapular retraction separately from the arm pull.
✔ Keep your torso stable and your back straight throughout.
✔ Proper form is more important than heavy weight.
✔ Breathing: Inhale as you pull the barbell up, exhale as you lower it down.

Benefits of the exercise

1️⃣ Combines back strengthening with precise scapular control
2️⃣ Increases thickness and strength of the mid and upper back muscles
3️⃣ Improves muscular balance between the shoulder blades
4️⃣ Enhances pulling control and reduces shoulder injury risk
5️⃣ Supports performance in sports such as wrestling, gymnastics, and bodybuilding

💠 Muscles engaged in the movement

This stepwise approach—starting with scapular activation followed by alternating rows—effectively strengthens the larger back muscles while keeping the scapular stabilizers actively engaged.

Main muscles

Latissimus dorsi muscle
Latissimus Dorsi

Synergistic muscles

Trapezius muscle
Trapezius
Rhomboids
Rhomboids
Posterior Deltoid
Posterior Deltoid
Biceps Brachii
Brachialis
Brachioradialis
Brachioradialis
Biceps Brachii
Biceps Brachii

Stabilizers

Erectos Spinae
Erectos Spinae
Abdominal Muscles
Abdominals
Engaged muscles

Latissimus dorsi muscle

Latissimus Dorsi Muscle

The latissimus dorsi is one of the strongest and widest superficial back muscles, playing a crucial role in pulling movements, backward bending, and internal rotation of the arm. It extends from the lower spine to the humerus and is responsible for generating pulling force in exercises like pull-ups, swimming, and rowing. Strengthening this muscle enhances pulling power, improves body posture, and reduces the risk of lower back and shoulder injuries.

Latissimus dorsi muscle | Lats

Trapezius muscle

Trapezius Muscle

The trapezius muscle is one of the most important superficial back muscles, extending from the occipital region to the middle of the back. It plays a key role in shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and neck motions. Strengthening this muscle improves shoulder endurance, reduces neck pain, and enhances overall posture.

Trapezius muscle

Rhomboid Major Muscle

Rhomboid Major Muscle

The rhomboid major is one of the superficial muscles of the back, located between the spine and the scapula. It lies adjacent to the rhomboid minor muscle and is responsible for retracting the scapula towards the spine, stabilizing the shoulder, and assisting with scapular movements. Strengthening this muscle helps improve posture, prevent shoulder drooping, and reduce pain in the area between the shoulder blades.

Rhomboid Muscle

Deltoid Muscle

Deltoideus Muscle

🔹 The deltoid muscle is one of the most important and voluminous muscles of the shoulder region. Its primary function is to move the arm in various directions and stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to its triangular shape, it is named “deltoid,” derived from the Greek word “Δέλτα” (delta), meaning triangle.

🔹 The deltoid muscle is divided into three distinct heads, each playing a specific role in shoulder movement. The anterior head assists in forward motions and arm flexion, the middle head is responsible for abduction and lifting the arm, and the posterior head supports extension and movements behind the body. This muscle is essential for the stability and strength of the shoulder joint, and its weakness can lead to limited range of motion, reduced shoulder power, and an increased risk of injury.

Deltoid Muscle

Muscle training

Pelank is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the body’s muscles, providing an accurate and scientific review of all muscles. Below, you can find muscle groups. By clicking on each muscle group, you will have access to complete information about it, including:

1️⃣ Basic information about the muscle
2️⃣ Muscle anatomy
3️⃣ Muscle physiology
4️⃣ Innervation and blood supply
5️⃣ Importance of the muscle in the body and sports
6️⃣ Strengthening exercises
7️⃣ Scientific and interesting facts

📌 At the end, a summary review of each muscle will be provided.

Body muscles training guide link

🔹 The muscle group engaged in this movement is highlighted in color.

References

Anatomy and medical books :

Sports and training references :

  • Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
  • Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
  • Well-known articles and training programs by international coaches

Medical databases :

  • PubMed (for scientific and research articles)
  • MedlinePlus (health and medical information)
  • WebMD (for practical and general health information)

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