Barbell Rack Pull

The Barbell Rack Pull targets the back, glutes, and hamstrings by lifting a barbell from an elevated position. The shortened range of motion lets you handle heavier loads to build upper-back and grip strength.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Intermediate
Movement
Compound
Bodyweight
No
How to

How to do the Barbell Rack Pull

  1. 01

    Set a barbell on safety pins or blocks just below knee height.

  2. 02

    Stand with feet hip-width apart and the bar over your midfoot.

  3. 03

    Hinge at your hips and grip the bar just outside your legs.

  4. 04

    Brace your core and keep your chest lifted.

  5. 05

    Drive through your heels and extend your hips to stand tall.

  6. 06

    Lower the bar back to the rack position under control.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Keep the bar close to your body
  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout
  • Avoid leaning back excessively at the top
Equipment

What you need

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the Barbell Rack Pull work?

The Barbell Rack Pull primarily targets the Lower Back. Supporting muscles include Erectors, Back, Lats, Traps, Glutes, Hamstrings, Forearms.

Is the Barbell Rack Pull a compound or isolation exercise?

The Barbell Rack Pull is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups and joints in a single movement.

What equipment do I need for the Barbell Rack Pull?

You need the following equipment: Power Rack, Barbell.

What difficulty level is the Barbell Rack Pull?

The Barbell Rack Pull is rated as intermediate difficulty. Some training experience is helpful for performing this exercise safely.

The adaptive training app

Bring training, nutrition, and recovery into one system.

Sculpt synthesizes every input from your body and your training, then builds the plan. No spreadsheets. No guessing.

Barbell Rack Pull: Muscles Worked, Form, and How to Do It | Sculpt AI