Struggles with barbell rows - is this just me?

JuliRamone

Hey there,

I am new to stronglifts (7th workout today), but I started a general program of weight training in january, and now switched to SL.
So far, I love the program, btw

I increase my weight for Bench Press and Overhead Press by 1kg (=2.2lbs), for Squats by 2.5kg (5.5lbs) and for deadlifts by 5kg (11lbs) every time. So far, I was also adding 2.5kg to barbell rows.
And here's the problem: Today I was barely able to finish my 5x5 barbell rows, while all the other exercises where still quite easy (not too easy, but still - really ok).

Is this normal, like, is there always one exercise you "suck" at or should I start to only increase the row weight just by 1kg as I do with bench / overhead press?

Thank you already

viglet

Rows used to be my most HAAAAATTEDD :mad: lift!!!

I found that when I really started to focus more on my butt, legs and chest while moving the bar, it really helped increase my lift. I also would just leave my weight the same for a few lifts until I felt that I could really move it with ease.

Llamapants86

I found in the beginning that rows and ohp were my weaker lifts, then I stalled out on bench, squats and finally deadlifts. It was more of finding the right weight for each of the lifts and that took a different time for each lift.

Ps I hate rows because I don't always trust my form. I found adding in some one arm db rows as accessories has really helped me out.

LadyDeadlift

I wasn't very good at, and did not like rows until I discovered that one of my gym locations has bumper plates. That was the break through that I needed since the bumper plates get the bar at the proper height for each rep.

I'm still not amazing at these (and I am not consistent about doing them) but it helped a lot.

Also, consider checking your grip. I recently reviewed form for this and for the BP and discovered that I needed a bit wider grip. When I changed this up for the row it was amazing how easy it was to feel the target muscles engage. If your grip is too close, I think it's a lot of strain ergonomically and also more biceps work than traps / lats etc.

lizafava2

I hate rows. I can squat 210 and bench 135 but my rows are only 105. Some people do have a weak lift. Bumper plates have helped minimize the suckage for sure.

SezxyStef

I think we all hate rows...

I just recently deloaded from 125 due to massive form failure...I can get them up but using momentum to do it...

I find if I really watch my form it isn't as bad as when I screw around.

Here is a good video I often reference when I have had to deload

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlRrIsoDpKg

_HeartsOnFire_

I think we all hate rows...

I just recently deloaded from 125 due to massive form failure...I can get them up but using momentum to do it...

I find if I really watch my form it isn't as bad as when I screw around.

Here is a good video I often reference when I have had to deload

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlRrIsoDpKg

This!! I struggle with Rows and OHP. I just finished my 7th week

JuliRamone

First: Thank you everyone! I am so glad I am not weird and just screwing up. :-D

I will check my form and grip again the next time, and then maybe just lower the increasing.
Also I'll try adjusting the height with some plates

Again, thank you for your amazing feedback. I see, not only SL is awesome, but also the people doing it.
Let's kick some butt (mine's hurting, thanks to the squats earlier )

amberlykay1014

Bumping.. I also have issues with rows. If anyone else has any other good videos, please post.

arabianhorselover

I was having problems with getting increases in my strength on these. I lowered the weight, and now I am back up to where I couldn't get to before.

willrun4bagels

Bump for later because rows SUCKED this morning!

Llamapants86

I just wanted to say that the last time I did rows I widened my grip and it made such a difference. Like night and day.

husseycd

Thanks for that video link! I've been doing them the first way. Funny, because rows are fairly easy for me. But I do a ton of aerial, so my back and lats are really strong. I struggle with Bench (stuck at 85 lbs) and OHP (currently 60 lbs). My squats aren't that awesome, even though they're the exercise I've focused on since I started weights in September of 2013. I'm currently at 145 lbs, or 1.1x body weight. I've really been stuck here a while.

Oh well, we'll all get there eventually! And of course, heavy weight is only as heavy as you need!

dapunks

BUMP cause mine suck as well.

muroo

Haha I remember watching this video. I love how he's just like dangit they named this stupid thing after me. Guess I'll deal.

@husseycd Yay aerials! I do pole so they're like...activity cousins. =P I only tried silks once. Loved it! Was too sore to put on or take off a bra in any reasonable amount of time for days.