Bent over barbell rows

[Ox 51]

I was just looking through my old Arnold Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding and saw pictures of Arnold and Franco doing barbell rows and noticed how they are bent completely forward, facing the floor, with their backs running parallel to the floor. Seems like most recent pics I see are of guys with their backs at about a 45 degree angle to the floor. Is there a right or wrong way to do these?

 

[The Dude]

This is something I try to explain to my wife all the time!! I'm of the opinion that if it feels right to you, then you are doing it right. HOWEVER, you also have to consider what area you want to build and then make sure that that area is getting the brunt of the work. My wife is near parallel to the floor and thats worked very well for her, but as she gets stronger her lower back gives out before her upper back. I do mine at a 45 degree angle and go as heavy as 365lbs. I feel it perfectly in my upper back and entire lat area. I'm curious as to how others do these as well. This is one of the few free weight exercises that really work for me and are a staple.

 

[Lightsout]

I do the same as the dude.. I feel it good at 45 degrees.. I can do 315 for reps..

 

[Pharm_Fed]

From my experience it depends on what muscles you are trying to hit. I usually do them at almost a 90* angle at the waist, but can't handle as much weight they way as if I do 45*. I feel like 90* hits my rhomboids more, 45* hits my lats more.

 

[big in vegas]

I think it all depends on the area as well. Also depends on the grip.