The Best Back Exercises

Top Exercises

Bench Pull-Ups

Intermediate / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

A modified pull-up for beginners or high-volume training. Using a bench for foot support reduces the load while maintaining the vertical pulling pattern.

Archer Pull-Up

Advanced / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

An advanced unilateral pull-up variation. It builds extreme back and arm strength while improving shoulder mobility and body control.

Self Assisted Inverted Pullover

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Back / pull

A functional pulling movement for the lats and core. Using the feet for assistance makes this advanced move accessible while building lat strength.

Rocky Pull-Up Pulldown

Advanced / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

A dynamic pulling variation that combines the intensity of a pull-up with the rhythmic tension of a pulldown to maximize time under tension.

Reverse Grip Incline Bench Row

Intermediate / Barbell / Back / pull

A back pulling exercise that increases bicep activation and targets the lower lats. The chest support eliminates cheating and isolates the back.

Low Seated Row

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Back / pull

A variation of the seated row targeting the lower lats and rhomboids. The lower pulley height encourages a more focused contraction in the mid-back.

Lever Lateral Wide Pulldown

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Back / pull

A wide-grip pulling exercise targeting the outer lats. It helps create the 'V' taper by focusing on the lats' width.

Lever Kneeling Twist

Beginner / Leverage Machine / Back / core

A core rotation exercise using a lever. It targets the obliques and improves core power for sports and daily activities.

Lever Assisted Chin-Up

Beginner / Leverage Machine / Back / isolation

A lever-based chin-up that provides mechanical assistance. It isolates the lats and biceps while offering a fixed path of motion.

Jumping Pull-Up

Advanced / Pull-up Bar / Back / pull

A modification of the pull-up that uses leg drive to assist the pull. It is excellent for high-volume training or building strength for strict pull-ups.