Pendlay Row

intermediate Compound
Primary Back
Secondary Biceps Rear delts Core Hamstrings
Equipment barbell
Table of Contents

Stand over a barbell with feet hip-width apart. Hinge at the hips until your torso is parallel to the floor. Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width and pull it explosively to your lower chest while keeping your torso stationary. Lower the bar all the way back to the floor between each rep — every rep starts from a dead stop.

Pro Tips

  • The dead stop between reps eliminates momentum and builds starting strength
  • Keep your torso parallel to the floor — do not rise up during the pull
  • Use 10-15% less weight than your standard barbell row

Variations & alternatives

Useful tools

Track Pendlay Row in SteelRep

Log every set, track progressive overload, and get automatic rest timers — all built around the exercises you actually do.

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