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Sled Row

Sled Row is a beginner compound exercise that mainly works your upper back, with help from your biceps and lats.

💪 Upper back🏋️ Other📈 Beginner🔗 Compound🎯 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps
Sled Row: starting position
Starting position
Sled Row: end position
End position

How to do the sled row

  1. Attach dual handles to a sled connected by a rope or chain. Load the sled to an appropriate weight. Face the sled, backing up until there is some tension in the line.
  2. With a handle in each hand, bend the knees slightly, keep your head and chest up, and begin with your arms extended.
  3. To initiate the movement, flex the elbow as you retract your shoulder blades, pulling the sled towards you.
  4. Take a step or two back to get tension in the line and repeat.

Muscles worked

Primary: Upper backSecondary: BicepsSecondary: Lats

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.

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Sled Row alternatives

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

Dumbbell RowDumbbell · BeginnerInverted RowBodyweight · BeginnerBent Over RowBarbell · BeginnerSeated Cable RowCable · BeginnerLeverage High RowMachine · BeginnerSuspended RowOther · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the sled row work?

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

How many sets and reps of sled row 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 sled row good for beginners?

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

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