Underhand Grip T-Bar Row

Category
compoundDifficulty
intermediate
Equipment
barbell
Force Type
pull
How to Perform the Underhand Grip T-Bar Row
- Set up a T-bar row station or place one end of a barbell in a landmine attachment and load the other end with weight plates.
- Straddle the bar and hinge at the hips, keeping your back flat and chest up at roughly a 45-degree angle to the floor.
- Grasp the T-bar handle or the barbell with an underhand (supinated) grip, palms facing up.
- Brace your core and pull the weight toward your lower chest and upper abdomen by driving your elbows back.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement and hold for a brief contraction.
- Lower the weight back to the starting position in a controlled manner, allowing a full stretch in the lats.
- Maintain a flat back and stable hip angle throughout all repetitions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rounding the upper or lower back during the pull
Keep your chest up, core braced, and maintain a neutral spine throughout the entire movement.
Standing too upright and reducing the range of motion
Maintain a hip hinge angle of approximately 45 degrees to allow a full rowing path.
Jerking the weight up with momentum
Use a controlled, smooth pulling motion and focus on engaging your back muscles rather than relying on body english.
Muscles Worked
Benefits
- ✓Builds significant back thickness and lat width with heavy compound loading
- ✓The underhand grip increases bicep recruitment and emphasizes the lower lats
- ✓Allows progressive overload with heavy weights for strength and mass development
Pro Tips
- ●The underhand grip naturally encourages pulling toward the lower chest, which maximizes lower lat engagement.
- ●Use wrist straps for heavier sets to prevent grip from being the limiting factor.
- ●Control the eccentric portion for 2-3 seconds to maximize muscle damage and growth stimulus.
Variations
Recommended Sets & Reps
Strength
4-5 sets of 4-6 reps at 80-85% 1RM
Hypertrophy
3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at 65-75% 1RM
Endurance
2-3 sets of 12-15 reps at 55-65% 1RM


