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T-Bar Row Your Way To A Cobra Back: How-To, Muscles Worked, and Variations
Here is a way to build a huge back using different workouts!
If you are a bodybuilding fan, you probably have watched Pumping Iron – the critically-acclaimed bodybuilding documentary. If you don’t remember watching the movie, you certainly would have seen snippets of Arnold Schwarzenegger T-bar rowing to a monstrous V-taper.
Pumping Iron is a little too old-school for you? How about you check out its younger sibling – Generation Iron?
Bodybuilders have a saying; if you want your back to grow, you gotta row. If you want a V-taper, you need to maintain a balance between rowing and pulling back exercises. While horizontal pulling exercises (pull-up, pull-down) help in building a wide back, vertical pulling movements (t-bar row, cable row, dumbbell row) get you that much sought-after back thickness.
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How To Perform The T-Bar Row
Do not fret if you do not have access to a T-bar row machine at your gym. You could perform the exercise using a barbell. Follow these steps to make the most out of the T-bar row –
If you have access to a T-bar row machine:
Step onto a T-bar row platform and stand with one foot on either side of the bar.
Place your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
The remaining steps will be the same as the barbell T-bar rows described below.
If you do not have a T-bar row machine at your gym:
Place one end of a barbell into a corner.
Rest some weight plates or a heavy dumbbell on the hinged side to hold it down (landmine setup).
Load the opposite end of the bar with an appropriate weight.
Take position by standing with one foot on either side of the bar.
Hinge at your hips until your torso is at a 45-degree angle with the floor.
Hook a V-grip handle under the weighted end at the bar’s neck and grab it with both hands.
While maintaining the natural arch in your back, squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull the bar until the plates touch your chest.
Pause and contract your lats at the top of the movement.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps.
Related: This Is How To Master The T-Bar Row For Massive Back Gains
Muscle Worked While Performing The T-Bar Row
The T-bar row might look easy but will test your mettle – they are one of Governator’s favorite exercises for a reason, after all. It is an overall upper body posterior muscle builder and will leave you exhausted by the last set. Here is the list of muscles worked:
Latissimus dorsi: It is the largest back muscle and is located on the sides of your back. Latissimus dorsi (aka lats) are responsible for shoulder extension and adduction.
Bicep brachial: Your biceps are your main elbow flexors, and you will be using them to perform T-bar rows.
Forearms: You need a strong grip to perform the exercise optimally. If you lack a solid grip, this exercise will help you build one over time.
Middle trapezius: It is the diamond-shaped muscle that covers much of your upper back. The middle trapezius (aka traps) is primarily responsible for the retraction of the shoulder girdle.
Rhomboids: Located under your mid-traps.
Posterior deltoids: Rear delts are responsible for horizontal extension and external rotation of the shoulder joint.
Erector spinae: It is the collective name for the small muscles that make up your lower back. The erector spinae works isometrically or statically during T-bar rows to hold your spine in a stable position and prevent your back from rounding.
Glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps: You cannot exclude your lower body from the exercise (unless you are using the chest-supported T-bar machine). Your glutes and hamstrings contract to hold your hips in place while your quadriceps work hard to stabilize your knees.
Next Read: 4 Exercises to Alleviate Lower Back Pain
Benefits of the T-Bar Row
Making the T-bar row a constant in your back training entails the following benefits:
1. A Thick and Strong Back
Rowing movements help develop a thick back, and the T-bar row follows an optimal range of motion that recruits the maximal muscle fibers in your back.
The compound exercise is also a great strength builder and can aid in other pulling exercises such as pull-ups and deadlifts.
2. Improved Functional Strength
T-bar row works your entire posterior chain. Since it is a compound (multi-joint) movement, the T-bar row helps strengthen muscles that you use in your day-to-day and outdoor activities.
3. Better Core Stability
Since you spend all your time bent over while performing the exercise, it helps develop core stability and strength.
4. Better Posture
A wide and thick back (results of the t-bar) can help improve your posture. You will hardly ever see someone with a solid V-taper slouching or having a bad body posture.
5. Promotes Balance and Symmetry
The unilateral (single-arm) variations of the T-bar row can help improve muscle imbalances and strength. Performing the exercise on one side at a time can help focus on the muscle and improve your mind-muscle connection.
Also Read: 6 Ways To Improve Your Mind-Muscle Connection
6. Versatility
Different variations of the T-bar row allow you to use different hand positions and hence work your back from a variety of angles. The most common grips for T-bar include:
Close-neutral
Shoulder width-neutral
Wide-overhand
Narrow-underhand
On top of that, since most T-bar equipments have a plate-loading mechanism, you can use low denomination weights to increase your workload in small increments until you hit the right spot.
Common T-Bar Mistakes To Avoid
The T-bar row requires balance and core stability and leaves a lot of room for error. Here are the most common T-bar mistakes:
1. Using 45-Pound Weight Plates
Most people make the mistake of exclusively using 45lb weight plates on the T-bar machine. Using several smaller weight plater rather than a few big ones have the following benefits:
a) It helps follow a longer range of motion since the smaller plates have a smaller diameter compared to the 45lb plates.
b) Helps you nail the perfect weight by using smaller denominations.
Related: Full Range Of Motion Vs Partials: Which Is The Way To Go?
2. Maintaining Straight Legs
Locking out your legs and knees can cause back, knee, or hip injuries. Make sure that you have your knees slightly bent throughout the exercise as it gives you a solid base to hold yourself in place.
3. Rounding Your Lower Back
We cannot help but cringe when we see someone rounding their back while performing the T-bar row. Rounding your back during the lift leaves your spine vulnerable to injuries – and makes you look like a rookie!
4. Flexing Your Wrists
To lift heavier while performing the T-bar rows, many gym-goers flex their wrists. Not only does this not help, but it also puts unwarranted stress on your wrists and increases the odds of an injury. It can also cause your grip to fail prematurely.
Next Read: Build a Massive Back Like The Legend Dorian Yates
5. Flaring Your Elbows
Flaring your elbows out can cause your chest to cave in and limit your ability to contract your back muscles. Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the range of motion.
6. Pulling With Your Biceps
While there is no way to avoid bicep recruitment during the exercise, leading with your elbows will optimally engage your back and help you build a thick back. Pulling with your elbows also allows you to contract your back muscles efficiently.
7. Not Using Lifting Accessories
Many gym-goers leave gains on the table by not using lifting accessories. Accessories like weight lifting straps and belt can help improve your form, reduce the chances of an injury, and set you up for lifting heavier.
Check Out: 5 Lifting Accessories You Should Have In Your Gym Bag
T-Bar Row Variations and Alternatives
1. Chest Supported / Lying T-Bar Row
The chest-supported T-bar row is a great variation for beginners or people who have lower back issues.
Steps:
Load the T-bar machine with an appropriate weight.
Lie prone on the pad and grab the handles with an overhand grip.
Brace your core and pull the T-bar towards your chest.
Contract your shoulder blades and keep your elbows flared in throughout the movement.
Your upper back muscles and shoulder blades should be fully contracted at the top of the movement.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps.
2. Barbell Row
Barbell rows are a staple in most back training routines. The barbell row is quite similar to the T-bar row with the main difference being that the barbell row allows you to move the weight through greater degrees of freedom.
Steps:
Stand upright and grab a barbell with a shoulder-width overhand grip.
Push your shoulders down and back while maintaining an exaggerated chest forward position.
Hinge at your hips and lower your torso until it is at a 60-degree angle with the floor.
Pull back your elbows while keeping them close to your body as you lift the bar towards your upper abdomen.
Pause and contract your lats at the top of the movement.
Return to the starting position with a slow and controlled motion.
Repeat for recommended reps.
3. Pendlay Row
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Pendlay rows are a great T-bar alternative, especially for powerlifters as it targets the exact opposite muscles of the bench press. It allows for greater stability when performing heavy presses.
Steps:
Unlike the orthodox barbell row, the starting position of the bar in the Pendlay row will be on the floor.
Stand with a shoulder-width grip and grab the bar with a pronated grip.
Get into position by pushing back your hips and lowering your torso until it is parallel to the floor.
Pull the bar towards your lower chest while keeping your elbows close to your sides.
Pause and contract your lats at the top of the movement.
Related: The Pendlay Row vs The Barbell Row
4. Meadows Row
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The Meadows row is named after the late bodybuilder, John Meadows. The Meadows row is a single-arm landmine row that allows a greater stretch at the bottom of the movement.
Steps:
Stand next to a barbell that is in a landmine setup or wedged into the corner of a wall.
Stand in a staggered stance with the leading foot perpendicular to the bar.
With your right foot as the leading foot, bend over at the waist, and grab the end of the bar with your left hand using an overhand grip.
Rest your right elbow on your thigh for support.
While keeping your elbow close to your body, pull up the bar until it is just outside your chest.
Pause and contract your lats at the top of the movement.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps before switching sides.
Check Out: 5 Landmine Exercises For A Shredded Body
5. Seal Row
The seal row is an isolation variation of T-bar and barbell rows. The exercise locks your body in place, taking away the ability for you to heave the weight as you perform the lift.
Steps:
Elevate a flat bench by placing a couple of aerobic steps under it on both sides.
Lay on the bench in a face-down position. Keep your leg elevated and make sure your body is in a straight line throughout the movement.
Grab a barbell with an overhand grip.
While maintaining a stable core, lift the bar to your lower chest by pulling your elbows towards the roof.
The bar should hit the bottom of the flat bench at the top of the movement.
Pause and squeeze the life out of your lats at the top of the movement.
Lower the bar with a slow and controlled motion.
Repeat for recommended reps.
6. Inverted Row
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Inverter rows are one of the best bodyweight T-bar row alternatives. This exercise might look easy but will leave you begging for mercy when it is done with you.
Steps:
Stand in a squat rack or front of a Smith machine.
Set the bar at your waist height. This will allow your arms to fully extend while keeping your body off the floor.
Get under the bar and lie down on your back.
Reach up for the bar and grab it with an overhand grip. Your arms should be fully extended at this point.
Your body will be suspended or just off the floor, with your heels being the only thing in contact with the floor.
While keeping your core and glutes contracted, brace your lower back and keep your body in a straight line.
Pull yourself up until your chest touches the bar.
Keep your elbows close to your sides throughout the movement.
Pause and contract your lats at the top of the movement.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for recommended reps.
Next Read: Barbell Row VS Inverted Row, Which One Reigns Supreme?
7. Seated Close Grip Cable Row
For lifters who fancy themselves a cable exercise, you cannot go wrong with the seated close-grip cable rows:
Steps:
Grab a v-handle and sit back on the machine.
Maintain an upright torso throughout the exercise.
Sweep back with your elbows and pull the v-handle towards your naval/lower abdomen.
Pause and contract your lats at the top of the movement.
Slowly return to the starting position.
Repeat for reps.
Must-Try: Build A Thick and Wide Cobra Back With This Workout
Conclusion
If you want to carve a thick and wide back, the T-bar row is a must-have in your exercise arsenal. The compound exercise might take some time to master, but the dividends it will pay in the long run make the upfront investment worth it.
For people who do not have a T-bar machine at their gym, this article lists enough variations to ensure the development of your posterior muscles.
Which is your favorite T-bar row variation? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
How To Gain Muscle Mass Quickly – A Guide On What To Eat And How To Train
Put On Muscle Mass Using This Technique
Many people quit the fit lifestyle when they join a gym to put on muscle mass but can’t see the weight scale budge in the right direction. Most people want to get results in the shortest time.
If you want to put on muscle on a timeline, you can’t afford to go wrong with the training, diet, and recovery. In this article, we’ll show you the way by telling you everything you need to know about gaining muscle on a deadline using a technique.
Setting The Right Target
Before you begin your transformation, you need to make sure you’re setting achievable goals. To keep your bulking phase sustainable, we suggest not wanting to put on more than 2lbs weight every week.
Whatever your diet is right now, add 500 calories to it if you want to put on 1lbs weight in one week. Adding 1,000 calories to your diet can speed up the bulking process and help you gain up to 2lbs a week.
How To Train To Put On Muscle Mass
Earlier, people used to overlook their diet when it came to building muscle but now a personalized training program has taken its place. Many people think that they will put on muscle mass irrespective of how they train unless their diet is right.
You can’t afford to put the training program on the back seat. If training routines were so inconsequential, the pros wouldn’t be spending thousands of dollars every month on their coaches trying to fine-tune their exercise routines, numbers of sets and reps they perform.
Designing The Right Training Program
If you’re a beginner or want to do a transformation, you should give your body at least 12 weeks to show major improvements. We would suggest you divide the 12 weeks into 3-week training routine splits.
3-weeks is the right amount of time for your body to get the most out of your workouts without letting it adjust to your routine. Change the intensity of your workouts week-on-week to push your muscles as you get closer to the 12-week mark.
For example – start your training program with a vanilla training program where you perform five exercises in a workout and do 3 sets of 10-12 reps. In the second week, switch to the German Volume Training (GVT) where you do 10 sets of 1 exercise before moving on to other exercises.
In the last week, you should increase the intensity of your workouts in a way that you’re only doing 3 exercises but are performing 5-7 sets and 15-30 reps on each lift. The increase in intensity will help in conditioning your muscles.
What And How Much To Eat To Put On Muscle Mass
If you’re planning to build muscle mass, your goal should be to eat around 3,000 calories a day. Of these 3,000 calories, 40% should come through carbs and the remaining 30% from proteins and fats each.
If your weight (muscle mass) isn’t increasing at the required pace, bump up your calories by 500 every time. We would suggest you wait for three weeks before modifying your diet. You need to give your body enough time to respond to your diet and training program.
You also need to make sure your recovery is on point. None of the diet and training improvements will do you any good until you’re recovery well. You should be sleeping between 7-8 hours every night.
How many calories a day do you eat currently? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Header image courtesy of Envato Elements
How to Lean Bulk – The Ultimate Guide
How to Lean Bulk – The Ultimate Guide
Before we get to to the million-dollar question, let’s talk about “bulking”. Lean bulking is such a misunderstood concept that most people who start a bulk end up gaining a belly. For a few minutes, forget everything you’ve been told about bulking by the bros.
Bulking cycle is a period of time where you eat surplus calories to gain muscle mass and strength. The sad and inevitable part of a bulking program is that an aggressive caloric surplus state will invariably lead you to put on body fat.
In an effective bulking plan, you should be increasing your training intensity and frequency. Adding more load and volume will provide ample stimulation to your muscles and will make sure you’re not adding too much to your fat reserves.
Like all good things, a bulking period has to come to an end. In the “cutting” phase you will cut the fluff from your body by adding HIIT cardio to your training program and by cutting the carbs and fats from your diet.
Pre-Requisites of a Lean Bulk –
Don’t Eat Like It’s The Last Meal of Your Life
Some people think that a bulking diet is synonymous with cheat meals. You can’t and shouldn’t eat anything you can get your hands on. Just like any other bodybuilding program, you’ll have to follow a strict diet plan for a lean and clean bulk.
A Bulk is Not For Everyone
Probably the biggest misconception about bulk is that anyone can do it. If you’re a newbie or don’t have any gains to show, forget lean bulking. The first goal should be to put on quality muscle mass.
You should only consider bulking if your current body fat percentage is at or around 10-12%. If you’re around 15-20% body fat, you’re already too bulky to start a new lean bulking program.
Calculating Your Caloric & Macronutrient Needs For Lean Bulking
Starting a lean bulking program without knowing the exact amount of calories and macronutrients you need is a recipe for disaster. As someone rightly said, “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.”
If you don’t follow a strict diet, you’ll most likely end up stuffing yourself with empty calories and saturated fats. Ask anyone on a bulking schedule about his exact daily calorie goals and they might tell you that the whole point of a bulking program is to put on size without fussing too much about tracking calories.
Designing Your Diet
The first step in designing the bulking diet is to calculate your BMR. BMR (basal metabolic rate) is the amount of energy required by your body while resting in a temperate environment when the digestive system is inactive. Calculating your BMR is equivalent to figuring out how much gas your idle car consumes while parked.
After calculating BMR, it’s time to compute your TDEE (Total daily energy expenditure) with this formula:
TDEE is the exact number of calories your body needs to maintain itself. In a bulking program, you need to add a surplus to put on some muscle mass. Most people make the mistake of adding too many calories to their diet. In a bulking program, you don’t need more than 200-300 calories to be in a healthy and effective surplus state.
Finding Your Daily Macronutrient Needs
While this might feel a little complicated but learning these steps will put you in total control of your body, and you won’t need a dietician ever again to help with your transformations.
Each macronutrient has a certain amount of calories per gram. While fats contain nine calories per gram, protein and carbs contain four calories per gram each. We won’t get into the roles of each macronutrient as it is out of the scope of the article but each macronutrient is indispensable to the success of your lean bulk.
Starting with Protein
Protein is the muscle’s building block and arguably the most important macronutrient when it comes to gaining muscle size. According to some studies, you need 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight to put on muscle mass.
After you calculate your daily required calories using TDEE, you need to gauge your daily protein need. 40:30:30 (carbs: protein: fats) is a dependable macronutrient split for bulking. If your total required calories are 2400kcal, you’ll need 960kcal (2400X40%) coming from protein. You need to be eating 240 grams (960/4) of protein every day to put on muscle mass.
Carbs & Fats Come Second
Calculate your required fats the same way. You’ll need 720 calories (2400X30%) and 80 grams (720/9) of fats. Carbs are calculated by adding the required calories from protein and fats and deducting them from the total amount of required calories.
In this case, you’ll need 720kcal [2400-(960+720)] and 180 grams (720/4) of carbohydrates. The next step would be to use an app like MyFitnessPal to design your meal plan as per your macro goals.
Now that you know this system, you never have to consult a nutritionist for designing a diet plan, your welcome.
Three Main Kinds of Bulks
The Relaxed Bulk
The relaxed bulk is probably the most common type of bulk. It doesn’t require any calorie or macronutrient tracking. You eat the usual food (in higher quantities) and gain a decent amount of muscle mass. People also run the risk of gaining a higher amount of fat in the process.
The Lean Bulk
The lean bulk is what most people want to do but end up doing the relaxed bulk because of a lack of knowledge. It is the structured approach to bulking where you track your calories and macronutrients. In the lean bulk, you gain maximum muscle and minimum fat.
The Maintenance Bulk
Maintenance bulk is very similar to lean bulk. The only difference here is that you won’t be eating the surplus 200-300 calories. Eating right around the maintenance level will in theory only make you gain muscle mass and no fat.
Tracking Your Progress
Tracking progress is one of the most overlooked aspects of lean bulking. You need to know the realistic rate of muscle growth to be able to track and compare your progress. Your bulk progress will depend on your training experience.
Training experience can be categorized in a few different ways, with the most popular one developed by Lyle McDonald. His method is based on years of proper training:
Have you ever tried lean bulking? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.