Barbell Bent Arm Pullover
Learn how to do the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover with proper form and technique. This barbell exercise primarily targets your Lats, with secondary emphasis on Triceps, Chest.
How to Do the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover
Follow these steps to perform the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover with correct form:
- 1Lie flat on a bench with your head at one end and your feet on the floor.
- 2Hold a barbell with a shoulder-width grip and extend your arms straight above your chest.
- 3Lower the barbell behind your head while keeping your arms slightly bent.
- 4Pause for a moment, then raise the barbell back to the starting position.
- 5Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Barbell Bent Arm Pullover Muscles Worked
Primary
Secondary
Exercise Details
- Equipment
- barbell
- Body Part
- back
- Category
- Main
Recovery & Training Frequency
- Recommended Recovery Time
- 2–3 days
- Weekly Frequency
- 2–3 sessions per week
- Why
- Multi-joint dumbbell or cable movements targeting large muscles require 48–72 h between sessions. The lower absolute load compared to barbell variants typically reduces CNS fatigue, allowing twice-weekly frequency.
Sets & Reps by Goal
Strength
- Sets
- 3–5
- Reps
- 3–6
- Rest
- 2–3 min
Progressive overload is key — add weight when you can complete all reps with solid form.
Hypertrophy
- Sets
- 3–4
- Reps
- 8–15
- Rest
- 60–90 s
Aim for 2–3 RIR on most sets. The moderate rep range with controlled tempo maximises metabolic stress and mechanical tension.
Endurance
- Sets
- 2–3
- Reps
- 15–25
- Rest
- 30–60 s
High-rep sets at 50–60% 1RM build muscular endurance without excessive fatigue accumulation.
Which Workout Splits Include Barbell Bent Arm Pullover?
Based on the muscles this exercise targets, it fits naturally into these training splits and day types:
Push / Pull / Legs
Pull Day
Upper / Lower
Upper Day
Full Body
Any session
Bro Split
Back Day
Not sure which split is right for you? Cora builds personalised training plans that match your schedule and goals. Learn more about progressive overload.
Related Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover work?
The Barbell Bent Arm Pullover primarily targets your Lats. Secondary muscles worked include Triceps, Chest. This makes it an effective exercise for developing your back.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover?
The Barbell Bent Arm Pullover requires barbell. Make sure your equipment is properly set up and you have enough space to perform the movement with full range of motion.
How do I perform the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover with proper form?
Start by Lie flat on a bench with your head at one end and your feet on the floor. Hold a barbell with a shoulder-width grip and extend your arms straight above your chest. Lower the barbell behind your head while keeping your arms slightly bent. Focus on controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
How often should I do the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover?
For most people, allow 2–3 days between sessions targeting the same muscle group. That translates to 2–3 sessions per week. Multi-joint dumbbell or cable movements targeting large muscles require 48–72 h between sessions. The lower absolute load compared to barbell variants typically reduces CNS fatigue, allowing twice-weekly frequency.
What are the best sets and reps for the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover?
It depends on your goal. For strength: 3–5 sets of 3–6 with 2–3 min rest. For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–4 sets of 8–15 with 60–90 s rest. For endurance: 2–3 sets of 15–25 with 30–60 s rest.
Which workout splits is the Barbell Bent Arm Pullover best for?
The Barbell Bent Arm Pullover fits well into the following training splits: Push / Pull / Legs (Pull Day), Upper / Lower (Upper Day), Full Body (Any session), Bro Split (Back Day). It is classified as a pull, upper movement.
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