Stronglifts 5x5 - Barbell Row help

Jenky85

Hi all,

I'm on my second week of stronglifts and loving it so far. The only issue I have is with barbell rows, I just can't seem to get my form right. I've studied YouTube videos but as soon as I try to out it in practice I can't work out how to allow the bar to return to the floor each rep and pick it up without bending/straining my back.

My weight plates are really quite small in diameter, I was given them free by a friend and they're all quite low weights max is 5lbs, amd when I watch the videos the plates as bigger which means the bar is higher up/closer to grab. Would this make the move more difficult for me? I do feel like I have to bend over into my squat to reach the bar rather than it being right as grabbing height.

I have attached a picture of my weights, hopefully you can see the scale of the plates ok. Do I really need to invest in bigger plates? Or is it user error? Also is there a move I could do instead if I'm really not able to work them out?



Thank you guys in advance!!

jlclabo

my honest opionion is invest in a decent set of olympic plates. if you have a D i c k s Sporting Goods near they usually have a good set for about 200.00. that is the olympic bar and 300lbs in plates. will give you plenty of room to grow.
as for bar height off the floor, dont put it on the floor. use the lower pegs on your rack to rest the bar on and just lift it, walk it back enough to do your rows, then rerack it. by thye way i really like that rack. where did you get it? what brand is it?

juliewatkin

I don't return the bar to the floor. I just row it and let it fully extend at the bottom but it doesn't touch the floor. There's no need to.

Roadie2000

I have the same problem, never really figured out correct form and I always felt it in my back. I've always just used dumbbells.

JTick

I have the same problem. I really suck at rows and just can't figure them out. I switched to dumbbell rows...I'm still not confident on my form, but at least I can feel those in my back.

Leadfoot_Lewis

I dislike rows from the floor so I just do Bent Over Barbell Rows. These will work just fine for you with your current setup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xglwz5hwRYs&list=PLBB9B4E3A4DFF26A2&index=47

Jenky85

Thanks guys...I was thinking barbell rows might be better so will try those next time.

Jlclabo - it's Maximuscle...I only bought it as it was the only one in the shop, but it's serving me well so far!

parkscs

I wouldn't do them from the floor with short plates (usually I don't do them from the floor either way). For what it's worth, I usually stick with bent over rows if I'm using a barbell, and I like to first bring myself upright like in a dead lift then lean forward and begin the rows.

LiftAllThePizzas

I switched to dumbells (Kroc rows) because once I got to heavier weights my lower back became part of the equation instead of the upper back that the rows are supposed to be working.

jlclabo

if you are feeling it in your back you are bent too far over. that would be more like the form for pendlay rows where the bar touches the ground at every rep. bent over rows are more of a 45* angle and row the weight to your upper midsection. remember its for the lats and mid back not traps/upper back.

Jenky85

Thank you for the video leadfoot_lewi! I was worried about not returning them to the floor in case that was worse for my back so good to see it's not a bad thing.

Glad so many other people seem to feel my frustrations with this move!! I was worried I was just being pathetic thank you everyone, really glad I asked the question now.

JoRocka

I don't return the bar to the floor. I just row it and let it fully extend at the bottom but it doesn't touch the floor. There's no need to.

^^^
Dis Right here.

it's a row- I guess Pendlay's would be from the floor up? (guess I've done minimal research- I don't like the idea of a pendlay although I hear good things about them)- but a regular BB row? why would you return it all the way to the floor. Extend to arm lenght- pull elbows back- bar to sternum- the more horizontal you are the better. (well- in theory- you don't want to the weight pulling you forward- so hips pull back- but you want to fight for an acute angle- gets more back)

rainbowbow

I think you are bending over too far. The barbell shouldn't be touching the floor but more-so around knee height.

When bending over you want to keep a neutral spine like below-



if you cannot do that i'm wondering if you're lifting too heavy. A general rule when doing barbell rows for me has been to pull the barbell into the belly-button in this position.

Edit: Also, i don't do pendlay rows. So... sorry >_<

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Stronglifts intends for you to do Pendlay rows (all the way back down to the floor for each rep). I don't know that it's necessary to stick with that kind if you prefer a different type though.

I set mine up on a stack of larger plates. For Pendlay rows the bar is supposed to be about the same height as for deadlifts (roughly 9 inches off the floor).

I've also done Kroc rows and I liked them.

the_texreb

What they said. I don't return to the weights to the floor. And I like your rack. The one in the picture. With the weights.



**I read the "I like your rack part", and realized what it sounded like, so I clarified. I don't normally attempt to not offend. It's been a weird day for me.

DirrtyH

that would be more like the form for pendlay rows where the bar touches the ground at every rep.

That is the type of row you're supposed to do for Stronglifts. I've read several places that what stronglifts calls a barbell row is actually a Pendlay row.

JoRocka

that would be more like the form for pendlay rows where the bar touches the ground at every rep.

That is the type of row you're supposed to do for Stronglifts. I've read several places that what stronglifts calls a barbell row is actually a Pendlay row.

which could easily be subbed out- but it's definitely good to know the difference.

presbyreformed

The barbell row is one that I would not recommend for anyone unless you are already extremely well conditioned and can handle the movements comfortably. The position required for any bent-back lifting can put your back into peril with just a slightly wrong movement. There are so many other good workouts for back that I would stay away from this one.

This was one reason I abandoned SL 5x5. Of course the main reason I left it was the impossibilty of anyone adding 5 lbs per workout for 14 weeks.... There are much better workout routines for the non professional bodybuilders out there.... My .02

Jenky85

What they said. I don't return to the weights to the floor. And I like your rack. The one in the picture. With the weights.



**I read the "I like your rack part", and realized what it sounded like, so I clarified. I don't normally attempt to not offend. It's been a weird day for me.

That was hilarious...tea out of nose moment. Thank you!

Jenky85

The barbell row is one that I would not recommend for anyone unless you are already extremely well conditioned and can handle the movements comfortably. The position required for any bent-back lifting can put your back into peril with just a slightly wrong movement. There are so many other good workouts for back that I would stay away from this one.

This was one reason I abandoned SL 5x5. Of course the main reason I left it was the impossibilty of anyone adding 5 lbs per workout for 14 weeks.... There are much better workout routines for the non professional bodybuilders out there.... My .02

I'd be interested in hearing what other routines you rate? I'm a complete noob so always looking for more info.

missdibs1

This is by far the best forum in awhile Thanks for the tips