Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Pullover
Wide-Grip Decline Barbell Pullover is an intermediate compound barbell exercise that mainly works your chest, with help from your shoulders and triceps.


How to do the wide-grip decline barbell pullover
- Lie down on a decline bench with both legs securely locked in position. Reach for the barbell behind the head using a pronated grip (palms facing out). Make sure to grab the barbell wider than shoulder width apart for this exercise. Slowly lift the barbell up from the floor by using your arms.
- When positioned properly, your arms should be fully extended and perpendicular to the floor. This is the starting position.
- Begin by moving the barbell back down in a semicircular motion as if you were going to place it on the floor, but instead, stop when the arms are parallel to the floor. Tip: Keep the arms fully extended at all times. The movement should only happen at the shoulder joint. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
- Now bring the barbell up while exhaling until you are back at the starting position. Remember to keep full control of the barbell at all times.
- Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions of your training program.
- When finished with your set, slowly lower the barbell back down until it is level with your head and release it.
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.
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Start your free trialWide-Grip Decline Barbell Pullover alternatives
Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.
Bench PressBarbell · Beginner
Chest PressMachine · Beginner
Push UpBodyweight · Beginner
Dumbbell Bench PressDumbbell · Beginner
Cable Chest PressCable · Beginner
Svend PressOther · BeginnerFAQ
What muscles does the wide-grip decline barbell pullover work?
It mainly works your chest; your shoulders and triceps assist.
How many sets and reps of wide-grip decline barbell pullover 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 wide-grip decline barbell pullover good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.