Breathing
Exhale as you pull through the working range and inhale during the controlled return. Keep the breath steady and avoid straining with a prolonged breath hold.
Getting your next view ready…
The Bent-Arm Barbell Pullover primarily works the lats, with the chest, lats, shoulders and triceps supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with barbell.

1 / 2How to
Movement instructions
Lie on a flat bench with a barbell using a shoulder grip width.
Hold the bar straight over your chest with a bend in your arms. This will be your starting position.
While keeping your arms in the bent arm position, lower the weight slowly in an arc behind your head while breathing in until you feel a stretch on the chest.
At that point, bring the barbell back to the starting position using the arc through which the weight was lowered and exhale as you perform this movement.
Hold the weight on the initial position for a second and repeat the motion for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Technique guidance
Exhale as you pull through the working range and inhale during the controlled return. Keep the breath steady and avoid straining with a prolonged breath hold.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same barbell setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Bent-Arm Barbell Pullover sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Lats is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the lats using something else.
Related
Related movements
Get the app
Add it to a routine, record every completed set, and keep the workout saved on your phone even when the gym has no reception.