Rack Pulls

A back exercise targeting the lower back, performed with barbell.

Rack Pulls demonstration
Rack Pulls — demonstration

Body part

Back

Equipment

Barbell

Target muscles

Lower Back

Secondary muscles

Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Traps

How to do Rack Pulls

  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.

Muscles worked

Primary (target)

Lower Back

Secondary

ForearmsGlutesHamstringsTraps

Related exercises

All back exercises →

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