Advice on Barbell row

[GRIT]

I can't seem to get a good workout on barbell row. this is going to sound stupid but it's like I can't work as hard on pull exercises as on push!!

As I am on the Cornholio old school program, I do 5x5 barbell row once a week. As its my only lat specific workout, i want to really really hit them. However I can't seem to get the form down right, or something. Do I need to hit the bar to my torso, or just go up some of the way? If I use a light enough weight that I can touch my torso with the bar, its like i barely even get a workout.

Maybe I should drop this exercise and substitute with T-bar row or something?

advice plz
thx

 

[Optimus B]

think about really squeezing your shoulder blades together. you'll notice that the higher that you go up, the more of a contraction you'll get. it's a tricky exercise to really feel, but definitely a good back builder. go light, get the form down, get sore, add more weight, repeat.

how far are you bending over? i try and maintain ~45 degrees.

 

[Fatty4You]

As its my only lat specific workout, i want to really really hit them.

I thought rows were for back thickness... which is part of your lats. But shouldn't you also hit something like pullups or pull downs to get lat width??

-Fatty

 

[argent]

What grip are you using? Over or under. I got the most out of bent over BB rows by using an underhand grip and bring the bar to my belly button.

 

[gymtime]

Next to deads, I think bent rows are the most effective back excercise. But I know how they are. They can be awkward and difficult to do with good form. Here's what I try to keep in mind:

1. Keep back straight or slightly arched, knees bent.

2. Head/eyes forward.

3. Bring the wieight up to your abdomen, elbows in tight.

4. Do NOT jerk the weight up with your back. Keep your upper body as stable as possible.

 

[GRIT]

thanks ladies and gents, will try this advice out today!

 

[Citruscide]

yeah, I pull to my lower stomach, not my sternum... if that helps.

C-ditty

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Try T-Bar rows. If you feel comfortable with that exercise you should be able to do the same with Barbell Rows. Essentially, it's the same movement.