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Barbell Pullover

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Muscles worked

High load
Lats and Upper back · Teres
Medium load
Chest
Low load
Core and Triceps · Long head

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Lie lengthwise on a bench and hold a light barbell above your chest. With a slight, steady elbow bend, lower the bar in an arc behind your head only as far as your shoulders comfortably allow. Pull the bar back above your chest without flaring your ribs.

Form cues

  • Keep a slight bend in your elbows.
  • Move only through a comfortable shoulder range.
  • Keep your ribs down.

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

NeckShoulderElbowWristUpper backLower back

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.