The supine row (or inverted row) is an exercise in weight training. It primarily works the muscles of the upper back—the trapezius and latissimus dorsi—as well as the biceps as a secondary muscle group. The supine row is normally carried out in three to five sets, but repetitions depend on the type of training a lifter is using to make their required gains.
To execute the exercise, the lifter lies flat on the ground under a fixed bar (such as a Smith machine set at at chest height). The lifter holds the bar with an overhand grip, straight arms, straight body, upper body hanging with heels on the ground close together. The lifter pulls the chest toward the bar until it touches, before returning to the starting position under control. Good form means that the body is kept straight throughout the movement. The chin should remain tucked during the motion, keeping the cervical portion of the spine lined up with the rest of the body.
The bar can be moved higher or lower to make the movement easier or more difficult. The lower the bar is, the more difficult the movement becomes.
- ExRx uses the terms 'supine row' and 'inverted row' interchangeably while demonstrating with overhand grip.