Rack Pulls
How to do the Rack Pulls with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Lower Back
Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Traps
Barbell
How to do the Rack Pulls
- 1
Set up in a power rack with the bar on the pins. The pins should be set to the desired point; just below the knees, just above, or in the mid thigh position. Position yourself against the bar in proper deadlifting position. Your feet should be under your hips, your grip shoulder width, back arched, and hips back to engage the hamstrings. Since the weight is typically heavy, you may use a mixed grip, a hook grip, or use straps to aid in holding the weight.
- 2
With your head looking forward, extend through the hips and knees, pulling the weight up and back until lockout. Be sure to pull your shoulders back as you complete the movement.
- 3
Return the weight to the pins and repeat.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Rack Pulls set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your lower back volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More lower back exercises
Rack Pulls: common questions
What muscles does the Rack Pulls work?
The Rack Pulls primarily works the Lower Back. It also recruits the Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings and Traps as supporting muscles.
Is the Rack Pulls suitable for beginners?
The Rack Pulls is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.
What equipment do I need for the Rack Pulls?
To do the Rack Pulls you'll need a barbell.
Is the Rack Pulls a compound or isolation exercise?
The Rack Pulls is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.
How do I do the Rack Pulls with correct form?
Set up in a power rack with the bar on the pins. The pins should be set to the desired point; just below the knees, just above, or in the mid thigh position. Position yourself against the bar in proper deadlifting position. Your feet should be under your hips, your grip shoulder width, back arched, and hips back to engage the hamstrings. Since the weight is typically heavy, you may use a mixed grip, a hook grip, or use straps to aid in holding the weight. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
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