London Bridges
London Bridges is an intermediate compound exercise that mainly works your lats, with help from your biceps, forearms and upper back.


How to do the london bridges
- Attach a climbing rope to a high beam or cross member. Below it, ensure that the smith machine bar is locked in place with the safeties and cannot move. Alternatively, a secure box could also be utilized.
- Stand on the bar, using the rope to balance yourself. This will be your starting position.
- Keeping your body straight, lean back and lower your body by slowly going hand over hand with the rope. Continue until you are perpendicular to the ground.
- Keeping your body straight, reverse the motion, going hand over hand back to the starting position.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Track your london bridges with GymPlan AI
Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.
Start your free trialLondon Bridges alternatives
Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.
Pull UpBodyweight · Beginner
Lat PulldownCable · Beginner
Leverage Iso RowMachine · Beginner
Bent-Arm Barbell PulloverBarbell · Intermediate
Muscle UpOther · Intermediate
Chin UpBodyweight · BeginnerFAQ
What muscles does the london bridges work?
It mainly works your lats; your biceps, forearms and upper back assist.
How many sets and reps of london bridges should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the london bridges good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.