Exercise library / Lower back

Rack Pulls

Main muscles
Lower back
Also works
Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Traps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound · Pull

How to do it

  1. Set up in a power rack with the bar on the pins. The pins should be set to the desired point; just below the knees, just above, or in the mid thigh position. Position yourself against the bar in proper deadlifting position. Your feet should be under your hips, your grip shoulder width, back arched, and hips back to engage the hamstrings. Since the weight is typically heavy, you may use a mixed grip, a hook grip, or use straps to aid in holding the weight.
  2. With your head looking forward, extend through the hips and knees, pulling the weight up and back until lockout. Be sure to pull your shoulders back as you complete the movement.
  3. Return the weight to the pins and repeat.

Quick answers

What muscles does the Rack Pulls work?
Mainly the lower back, with help from the forearms, glutes, hamstrings, traps.
What equipment do I need?
Barbell.
Is it good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate level.
How do I track progress on it?
Log each set and beat the weight or reps from last time. Liftrung shows your last set beside the next one and estimates your one-rep max from your sets.

More lower back exercises

Exercise descriptions: free-exercise-db, public domain.