The Best Back Exercises

Top Exercises

Behind the Neck Pulldown

Intermediate / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A variation of the pulldown that focuses on the upper back, posterior deltoids, and rhomboids. It emphasizes scapular retraction and mid-back thickness.

Cable Standing Pulldown

Beginner / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Back / pull

A lat isolation exercise that builds back width and improves the mind-muscle connection. It emphasizes the lower lats through a controlled, sweeping vertical arc.

Cable Seated One Arm Alternate Row

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Back / pull

A unilateral back exercise that allows for better focus on each side. It helps correct imbalances and increases the range of motion for the lats.

Cable Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A general pulling exercise that builds back strength and improves posture by engaging the upper and middle back muscles.

Cable Lateral Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A versatile back movement for building the 'V-taper' by targeting the outer latissimus dorsi and teres major.

Cable Horizontal Pallof Press

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Back / push

An anti-rotational core movement. It builds exceptional spinal stability by forcing the obliques to resist a lateral pulling force.

Cable Front Seated Row

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Back / pull

A back-building exercise that targets the mid-back and lats. The cable provides constant tension throughout the entire pulling and stretching phases.

Cable Bar Lateral Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A cable-based version of the pulldown that provides constant tension on the lats through the entire range of motion.

Bar Lateral Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A foundational back exercise for building width and strength. It primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and traps.

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.

Cable Standing Row

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Back / pull

A compound back exercise performed while standing to increase core and leg stabilizer recruitment along with back development.

Cable Seated on Floor Row with Rope

Beginner / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Back / pull

A functional back exercise performed from the floor. The rope allows for a neutral grip and a deep pull into the lats and rhomboids.

Explore by Muscle Groups

Explore by Equipment

Bodyweight-only

BOSU Balance Trainer

Cable Crossover Machine

Cable Machine with Rope Attachment

Captain's Chair

Hi-Lo Cable Machine

Lat Pulldown Machine

Leverage Machine

Mini Loop Bands

Resistance Bands

Seated Cable Row Machine

Stability (Swiss) Ball