Club 1000 Plus

Barbell pullover

Lower the bar behind the head only as far as shoulder comfort and rib control allow, then return it above the chest. Start with a manageable effort and increase it only while the setup and movement remain controlled.

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At a glance

EquipmentBarbell
Experience levelIntermediate
Movement patternShoulder extension
Primary muscleLats
Also worksTriceps
Barbell pullover: Exercise illustration (start) Barbell pullover: Exercise illustration (peak)
Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co).

The movement, step by step.

  1. Lie on a flat bench with the feet supported and hold a light bar above the chest with slightly bent elbows.
  2. Lower the bar behind the head only as far as shoulder comfort and rib control allow, then return it above the chest.
  3. Return slowly to the starting position and reset before the next repetition.

Technique cues

  • Keep a small, fixed bend in the elbows.
  • Stop the descent before the ribs lift or the shoulders pinch.

Common mistakes

  • Arching the back to reach farther behind the head.
  • Turning the pullover into an elbow extension.

Watch & learn

Professional demonstrations, opened on YouTube.

Alternatives

Log it in Club 1000 Plus

In the app, Learn on a workout opens this same guide for Barbell - Pullover, without losing your selected exercise or unsaved sets.

Open in Workout Explorer. Watch the demonstrations in place, compare it with another exercise and browse the whole library.

Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.

Know the movement. Log the work.

Log every set, see your estimated one-rep max and keep the guide one tap away.