Suspended Row
How to do the Suspended Row
- 1
Suspend your straps at around chest height. Take a handle in each hand and lean back. Keep your body erect and your head and chest up. Your arms should be fully extended. This will be your starting position.
- 2
Begin by flexing the elbow to initiate the movement. Protract your shoulder blades as you do so.
- 3
At the completion of the motion pause, and then return to the starting position.
How to program the Suspended Row
Sets and reps
As a compound movement, the Suspended Row responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.
Progression
The Suspended Row is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.
Secondary muscles worked
Put the Suspended Row into a plan
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Suspended Row work?
The Suspended Row primarily targets the Middle Back. It also recruits the Biceps, Lats as supporting muscles.
What equipment do I need for the Suspended Row?
You need Other. Difficulty level: Beginner.
How many sets and reps of the Suspended Row should I do?
For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.
