Exercise library

Back · Barbell

Rack Pull

Difficulty

Intermediate

Sets

3–5

Reps

3–6

Equipment

Barbell

Target muscles

Primary Back

Secondary: Glutes, Traps

Variations

  • · Tempo Rack Pull
  • · Paused Rack Pull
  • · Cluster-set Rack Pull

Proper form

  1. 01 Set feet, brace, and pull slack out of the bar before the pull.
  2. 02 Push hips back, keep the bar close to the body, and maintain a neutral spine.
  3. 03 Drive hips forward at lockout without hyperextending the lower back.
  4. 04 Control the descent — do not drop the load.

Common mistakes

  • × Rounding the lower back at the start position.
  • × Letting the bar drift forward during the pull.
  • × Hyperextending the spine at lockout.

Tips

  • Reset every rep from a dead stop when learning the pattern.
  • Use lifting straps only after grip becomes the true limiter.
  • Program hinge volume conservatively — recovery cost is high.

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