BifitBifit
HomeExercisesBecome a Coach
Log In
HOMEEXERCISESBECOME A COACHLOG IN

Language

Legal

Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyDelete Account
BifitBifit

A modern and user-friendly mobile app that makes life easier for fitness enthusiasts. Tracking your workouts and progress is our priority.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Exercises
  • Become a Coach
  • Download · Google Play
  • Download · App Store

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support
  • Account Deletion

© 2026 Bifit. All rights reserved.

Designed for a healthy lifestyle

HomeExercisesMeadows Row

Meadows Row

Back
Mid Back
Intermediate
Compound
3-4Set
8-12Reps
75sRest
2-1-2-0Tempo
Meadows Row
Animation

Description

The Meadows Row is a specialized row variation popularized by bodybuilder John Meadows, performed single-handedly using a barbell in a landmine setup. Because it is a unilateral movement, it allows each side of the back to work independently, making it highly effective for correcting muscle imbalances. It intensely activates the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle trapezius, and rear deltoids. It also develops anti-rotation core strength. When performed regularly, it provides significant improvements in mid-back hypertrophy, back thickness, and the correction of muscular imbalances.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Secure one end of a barbell into a landmine attachment or the corner of a wall.

  2. 2

    Load an appropriate amount of weight onto the other end.

  3. 3

    Stand next to the free end of the bar and hinge your torso forward.

  4. 4

    Grip the free end of the bar with one hand.

  5. 5

    Use your other hand to support yourself on your knee or a bench.

  6. 6

    Keep your back straight, with your torso parallel or close to parallel to the floor.

  7. 7

    Engage your core muscles.

  8. 8

    Pull the bar toward your hip, keeping your elbow close to your side.

  9. 9

    Squeeze your shoulder blade at the top position.

  10. 10

    Lower the weight back to the starting position in a controlled manner.

  11. 11

    After completing the desired number of repetitions, switch to the other arm.

Key Points

  • ✓One end of the bar is anchored, while the other is gripped with one hand.
  • ✓The torso should be hinged forward and the back kept straight.
  • ✓The elbow should be kept close to the body and pulled toward the hip.
  • ✓The shoulder blade must be squeezed at the top.
  • ✓Each arm works independently.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Rounding the back - strains the lower back.
  • ✗Selecting too heavy a weight - compromises form.
  • ✗Swinging the body - relies on momentum.
  • ✗Flaring the elbow out - changes the targeted muscle pattern.

Breathing

Exhale as you pull, inhale as you lower the weight.

Muscle Activation

mid back0%
lats0%
rhomboids0%
traps0%
rear delts0%
biceps0%
core0%

Safety

Precautions

  • Individuals with acute lower back pain should exercise caution.
  • Individuals with acute shoulder injuries should exercise caution.

Safety Tips

  • Master the classic single-arm row first.
  • Start with a light weight.
  • Stop the exercise if your form breaks down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles does Meadows Row work?

Meadows Row primarily works these muscles: Orta Sırt, Lats. It also engages: Romboid, Trapez, Arka Omuz, Biceps, Core kasları.

Is Meadows Row suitable for beginners?

Meadows Row is a Intermediate level exercise. Learning difficulty: Moderate.

Can Meadows Row be done at home?

Meadows Row usually requires gym equipment, so it can be hard to do at home.

What are common mistakes when doing Meadows Row?

One of the most common mistakes: Rounding the back - strains the lower back.

How many sets and reps for Meadows Row?

Recommended: 3-4 sets and 8-12 reps.

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Back Exercises
Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lats

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Lats

Pull-Up

Pull-Up

Lats

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Lats

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Lats

High Row Machine

High Row Machine

Lats

Exercise Information

DifficultyIntermediate
Movement TypeCompound
FocusHypertrophy
Injury RiskLow
Set3-4
Reps8-12
Rest75 seconds
Tempo2-1-2-0
Spotter RequiredNo
Home / Gym
NoYes
Effectiveness4.4 / 5
Popularity6.5 / 10
Learning DifficultyModerate

Equipment

barbell

Primary Muscles

Orta SırtLats

Secondary Muscles

RomboidTrapezArka OmuzBicepsCore kasları

Benefits

  • ✓Intensely works the mid-back and lats.
  • ✓Ideal for building back thickness.
  • ✓Corrects muscle imbalances.
  • ✓Develops anti-rotation core strength.
  • ✓A classic bodybuilding movement.

Goals

Muscle GainStrength
Back to All Exercises
Meadows Row
Animation

Description

The Meadows Row is a specialized row variation popularized by bodybuilder John Meadows, performed single-handedly using a barbell in a landmine setup. Because it is a unilateral movement, it allows each side of the back to work independently, making it highly effective for correcting muscle imbalances. It intensely activates the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle trapezius, and rear deltoids. It also develops anti-rotation core strength. When performed regularly, it provides significant improvements in mid-back hypertrophy, back thickness, and the correction of muscular imbalances.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Secure one end of a barbell into a landmine attachment or the corner of a wall.

  2. 2

    Load an appropriate amount of weight onto the other end.

  3. 3

    Stand next to the free end of the bar and hinge your torso forward.

  4. 4

    Grip the free end of the bar with one hand.

  5. 5

    Use your other hand to support yourself on your knee or a bench.

  6. 6

    Keep your back straight, with your torso parallel or close to parallel to the floor.

  7. 7

    Engage your core muscles.

  8. 8

    Pull the bar toward your hip, keeping your elbow close to your side.

  9. 9

    Squeeze your shoulder blade at the top position.

  10. 10

    Lower the weight back to the starting position in a controlled manner.

  11. 11

    After completing the desired number of repetitions, switch to the other arm.

Key Points

  • ✓One end of the bar is anchored, while the other is gripped with one hand.
  • ✓The torso should be hinged forward and the back kept straight.
  • ✓The elbow should be kept close to the body and pulled toward the hip.
  • ✓The shoulder blade must be squeezed at the top.
  • ✓Each arm works independently.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Rounding the back - strains the lower back.
  • ✗Selecting too heavy a weight - compromises form.
  • ✗Swinging the body - relies on momentum.
  • ✗Flaring the elbow out - changes the targeted muscle pattern.

Breathing

Exhale as you pull, inhale as you lower the weight.

Back to All Exercises

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Back Exercises
Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lats

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Lats

Pull-Up

Pull-Up

Lats

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Lats

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Lats

High Row Machine

High Row Machine

Lats