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Exercises › Back › Incline Bench Pull

Incline Bench Pull

Incline Bench Pull is a beginner isolation barbell exercise that mainly works your upper back, with help from your lats and shoulders.

💪 Upper back🏋️ Barbell📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Incline Bench Pull: starting position
Starting position
Incline Bench Pull: end position
End position

How to do the incline bench pull

  1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and lie face down on an incline bench that is set to an incline that is approximately 30 degrees.
  2. Let the arms hang to your sides fully extended as they point to the floor.
  3. Turn the wrists until your hands have a pronated (palms down) grip.
  4. Now flare the elbows out. This will be your starting position.
  5. As you breathe out, start to pull the dumbbells up as if you are doing a reverse bench press. You will do this by bending at the elbows and bringing the upper arms up as you let the forearms hang. Continue this motion until the upper arms are at the same level as your back. Tip: The elbows will come out to the side and your upper arms and torso should make the letter "T" at the top of the movement. Hold the contraction at the top for a second.
  6. Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in.
  7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Upper backSecondary: LatsSecondary: Shoulders

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

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Incline Bench Pull alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Middle Back ShrugDumbbell · IntermediateLying Cambered Barbell RowBarbell · BeginnerAlternating Kettlebell RowKettlebell · IntermediateInverted RowBodyweight · BeginnerSeated Cable RowCable · BeginnerLeverage High RowMachine · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the incline bench pull work?

It mainly works your upper back; your lats and shoulders assist.

How many sets and reps of incline bench pull should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the incline bench pull good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

More back exercises →