Alternatives

  • Resistance Band Bent Over Row
  • Single Arm Row
  • Kettlebell Pendlay Row

Summary

The resistance band row is an excellent movement for developing back and bicep strength and definition with minimal equipment. It’s a versatile exercise that can be performed anywhere and is ideal for building postural strength and improving pulling mechanics.

Benefits of the Resistance Band Row

  • Strengthens the rhomboids, lats, traps, and biceps.
  • Improves posture by counteracting forward shoulder rounding.
  • Enhances pulling strength for other exercises like pull-ups or deadlifts.
  • Easy to adjust resistance simply by changing band tension or hand position.
  • Joint-friendly option for people managing injuries or seeking low-impact training.

Resistance Band Row Muscles Worked

  • Primary: Rhomboids, Latissimus Dorsi, Trapezius
  • Secondary: Biceps, Rear Deltoids, Erector Spinae

Instructions

  1. Anchor a resistance band securely at chest height or lower.
  2. Stand or sit with a slight bend in your knees, core braced.
  3. Grab the handles or ends of the band with both hands, arms extended in front of you.
  4. Pull the band towards your torso by driving your elbows backwards and keeping them close to your body.
  5. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
  6. Slowly return to the start position with control.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Common Mistakes

  1. Shrugging the shoulders instead of pulling with the back muscles.
  2. Using momentum or jerking the band rather than controlled pulling.
  3. Letting the elbows flare too much out to the sides.
  4. Leaning backward excessively during the pull instead of maintaining a stable torso.
  5. Not fully retracting the shoulder blades, missing out on full back activation.