How strict do you think barbell rows should be?

[superstylr]

Basically, do you think barbell rows should be done with zero hip movement? Or do you prefer to do with a bit looser form?

[Yodums]

I don't think form should ever be perfect. Probably means the weight is too easy. You should expect your form to break down if you are doing something like a 5RM.

[Quadzillas]

I don't think you have to be that strict, so long as you aren't rounding your back. It isn't a powerlifting lift so what matters is that you are working your back and making it bigger / stronger without risking injury.

[fnares]

Basically, do you think barbell rows should be done with zero hip movement? Or do you prefer to do with a bit looser form?

"Perfect" form is pretty much unattainable. Form is there so you work the muscle without f*cking your sh*t up. Keep good form on any exercise, including barbell rows.

[PeterGibbons316]

The stricter the better - works the targeted area better, and is easier to track progress.

[ShadowWolfe]

Debatable......Manu (PBateman) back is massive, and his form is terrible in terms of form nazi's. Lots of massive BBers have bad form in lots of lifts.

[womanoid]

If you want to brag about your numbers (3+ plates, lol), use as much drive as possible. If you want to work out your intended target, tighten up.

[GeneralSerpant]

OP, you asked two different questions. I find it important to consider that, in spite of there being one answer on my end.

You should perform the movement to get better at the movement, or target preferred muscles. Neither case be exclusive to your options.

[ghettocandyman]

I let the bar hang to my kneecaps to get a good stretch then get it to my belly button by anymeans possible and hold it for a few seconds and repeat...lats and forearms(even with straps) get a really good pump from it..

hard to explain but that's how I learned from big dude at my old gym...plus its hard to be strict specially when your throwing around 3+ plates

[miamibodybuilder]

in my opinion barbell rows and any exercise for that matter should be done with strict form. although, i do believe in productive cheating. my definition of productive cheating is on your last set of an exercise, once you reach your last rep, get a bit of body movement to get a few more reps, but at the same time not completely loose form. thats what i do on a lot of my exercises, but not all because there are some exercises that are too dangerous and your body is at too much of an awkward position to be swinging like that and risk injury.

[dest0]

in my opinion barbell rows and any exercise for that matter should be done with strict form. although, i do believe in productive cheating. my definition of productive cheating is on your last set of an exercise, once you reach your last rep, get a bit of body movement to get a few more reps, but at the same time not completely loose form. thats what i do on a lot of my exercises, but not all because there are some exercises that are too dangerous and your body is at too much of an awkward position to be swinging like that and risk injury.

Totally agree with this.

I suffered from 3 slipped discs in my lower back because of Barbell Row (Took 1 year of treatment, and still sufferring). I was carrying heavy weight, form wasn't tight, caused my discs to bulge.

IMO this exercise is very dangerous, risky due to the sensitivity of the posture of it, I always considered other types of rows after the injury.

[_OZ_]

Strictly. Risk of back injury is not worth the reward, if any. I think most people with herniated discs or other painful back injuries would agree.

[MassiveKent]

i think the angle of your back in relation to the ground is overhyped. keep your lower back tight and core tight is critical though.

[darrenash]

I find 'cheating' with bent-over rows takes the focus of my lats. I find I get better results using extremely strict form - no body language at all. Only the arms move. That works for me. Others swear by using hip drive. That works for them. What works is what's right.

[superstylr]

Thanks all

[JSNeves]

I find 'cheating' with bent-over rows takes the focus of my lats. I find I get better results using extremely strict form - no body language at all. Only the arms move. That works for me. Others swear by using hip drive. That works for them. What works is what's right.

I find the opposite to be true for me, strict form lets me hit the middle back (mid trap, rhamboids) better then looser form.

This just goes to show there are many ways to do barbell rows, find one that fits your specific needs and goals