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 Rack Pulls primarily works the lower back, with the forearms, glutes, hamstrings and traps supporting the movement. It is a powerlifting movement performed with barbell.

1 / 2How to
Movement instructions
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.
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.
Return the weight to the pins and repeat.
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 Rack Pulls 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
Lower Back 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 lower back 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.