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Rack Pull

Lower backGlutesHamstrings TrapsUpper backLatsForearms Compound BarbellPower rack / half rack / squat rack
Demo (loops)

How to do it

Starting position

  1. Adjust the rack's safety bars to just below your knees.
  2. Stand in front of the barbell with your feet hip-width apart.
  3. Grip the barbell slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  4. Bring your shins close to the barbell and lower your hips.

Movement

  1. Brace your abs hard, push through the floor, and stand up.
  2. Drive your hips forward and straighten your upper body.
  3. Slowly lower the barbell back down to the safety bars.

Breathing

Inhale just before lifting the barbell and exhale at the top.

Trainer tips

  • Start from the pins at knee height
  • Keep your chest up and lift the bar close to your body
  • Squeeze your traps and back at the top

Cautions

  • If your back rounds, your spinal discs can be damaged, so always maintain intra-abdominal pressure.
  • If your wrists bend under heavy weight, it can cause a sprain, so keep your wrists straight.
  • Arching the lower back to finish
  • Letting the bar move away from the body
  • Rounding the back

If you feel pain during the exercise, stop. If it continues, talk to a professional.

Exercise info

Primary musclesLower backGlutesHamstrings
Secondary musclesTraps · Upper back · Lats · Forearms
EquipmentBarbellPower rack / half rack / squat rack
Movement patternHinge
Rep range5–8 reps
1 similar exercises

Representative exercise: Rack Pull

How GYMKC sets the weight for this exercise

For example, if you do 5 reps with 60 kg and log that you could have done about 2 more, GYMKC estimates your 1RM at about 74 kg.

With the barbell, each step is 2.5 kg (5 lb), so the next weight is 62.5 kg. Within your 5–8 reps target, the sets you log decide whether to add reps first or add weight.

These numbers are an example of how the calculation works. Your actual prescription is recalculated every set from your own records. See how the calculation works

Related exercises

This information is based on our analysis of public content from evidence-based training experts in Korea and abroad. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Weights and sets differ from person to person. The GYMKC app uses the sets you log to calculate the weight and reps for your next set.