top of page

Single-Arm Inverted Row 101 Video Tutorial

Home Main Variation Functional Training

0

Single-Arm Inverted Row
Single-Arm Inverted Row

Exercise Synopsis

Target Muscle Group

Traps

Secondary Targets

Execution

Compound

Force Type

Pull

Required Equipment

Barbell

Fitness Level

Intermediate

Alternatives

Timer

Hour

Minute

Second

Stopwatch

00:00:00:00

Overview

The Single-Arm Inverted Row is a compound upper-body exercise that primarily targets the traps while also engaging the lats as secondary muscles. Performed using a barbell, it involves lying underneath the bar with the body in a straight line and pulling the chest toward the bar with one arm while extending the other arm upward. This unilateral movement challenges stability, improves scapular control, and enhances upper-back strength, making it effective for developing both muscle balance and coordination.

How to Perform

  1. Position yourself on your back beneath a barbell secured in a squat rack, bending your knees at a 90-degree angle.

  2. Grip the bar with one hand using a neutral grip while keeping the other arm fully extended toward the ceiling.

  3. Lift your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to ankles, maintaining a stable core.

  4. Pull your chest upward toward the bar while simultaneously pressing the extended arm straight above the bar.

  5. Pause briefly at the top for one second, ensuring full contraction of the traps and engagement of the lats.

  6. Slowly lower your body back to the starting position while keeping your core tight and hips elevated.

★  Bonus: For exercises that involve external weights (such as dumbbells, barbells, or machines), the One Rep Max (1RM) calculator can help you estimate your maximum lifting capacity. Use it to track your strength progress and adjust your training for optimal results.

Tips

  1. Keep your body straight from shoulders to ankles and avoid letting your hips drop.

  2. Engage your back and shoulder muscles to lift your chest toward the bar.

  3. Tighten your core and glutes to stay stable throughout the movement.

How Not to Perform

  1. Don’t let your hips sag or rise too high, which reduces trap and lat engagement.

  2. Don’t use momentum or jerk your body to reach the bar.

  3. Don’t bend your elbows outward excessively; keep the pulling arm controlled.

  4. Don’t let your head drop or crane your neck upward.

  5. Don’t relax your core or glutes, which compromises stability.

  6. Don’t hold your breath; maintain steady breathing throughout the movement.

  7. Don’t grip the bar too loosely or unevenly, which can cause imbalance or strain.

Variations

Variations of fitness exercises refer to different ways of performing a specific exercise or movement to target various muscle groups, intensities, or goals. These variations aim to challenge the body differently, prevent plateaus, and cater to individuals with varying fitness levels.

EQUIPMENT

Barbell

EXECUTION

Isolation

FITNESS LEVEL

Intermediate

EQUIPMENT

Dumbbell

EXECUTION

Isolation

FITNESS LEVEL

Intermediate

Alternatives

Alternative exercises in fitness refer to different movements or activities that target similar muscle groups or serve the same training purpose as the primary exercise. These alternative exercises can be used as substitutes when the original exercise is unavailable or challenging to perform due to various reasons such as equipment limitations, injuries, or personal preferences.

EQUIPMENT

Dumbbell

EXECUTION

Isolation

FITNESS LEVEL

Intermediate

SHARE

bottom of page