All Exercises

Band standing rear delt row

Strengthen your rear deltoids and upper back with the band standing rear delt row. This exercise enhances shoulder stability and posture.

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set30s rest

Description

A strength exercise that targets the shoulders and upper back muscles, performed while standing, pulling a resistance band towards the body.

How to Do Band standing rear delt row

  1. 1
    Setup

    Anchor a resistance band at chest height to a sturdy object directly in front of you.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Stand facing the anchor point, taking a few steps back to create initial tension, and grab an end of the band in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other). Ensure your feet are hip-width apart and knees are slightly bent.

  3. 3

    With a slight bend in your elbows and shoulders retracted, pull the band ends horizontally towards your chest, focusing on squeezing your shoulder blades together.

  4. 4

    Continue pulling until your hands are roughly in line with your shoulders, ensuring your elbows stay elevated and flared out to the sides.

  5. 5

    Slowly and with control, extend your arms back to the starting position, resisting the pull of the band to maintain tension in your rear deltoids. Exhale as you pull and inhale as you return.

Tips

  • Keep your elbows high and flared out to the sides throughout the entire movement to maximize engagement of the posterior deltoids.
  • Focus on initiating the pull by squeezing your shoulder blades together, rather than just pulling with your arms, to properly activate the target muscles.
  • Control the eccentric (return) phase of the movement by slowly extending your arms, resisting the band's pull to enhance muscle time under tension and growth.
  • Maintain a stable core by bracing your abdominal muscles to prevent your torso from rocking and ensure all force is directed to the shoulders and upper back.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using too much arm and biceps instead of the rear delts is common; instead, think about driving your elbows back and squeezing your shoulder blades to initiate the pull.
  • ×Allowing your upper back to round forward reduces rear delt activation; maintain a neutral spine and keep your chest proud throughout the entire exercise.
  • ×Dropping your elbows too low shifts the focus away from the rear deltoids; keep your elbows elevated and in line with your shoulders to effectively target the posterior deltoids.

Variations

Related Exercises

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