All Exercises

Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet

Strengthen your rear deltoids and upper back with the Rear Delt Row using a bed sheet.

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set30s rest

Description

A body weight exercise that focuses on strengthening the rear deltoids using a bed sheet.

How to Do Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet

  1. 1
    Setup

    Securely anchor a strong bed sheet or towel to a stable object like a closed door or sturdy pole at waist height.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Hold the ends of the sheet with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing each other. Walk your feet forward, leaning back until your body forms a straight line from head to heels, with arms fully extended.

  3. 3

    Engage your core and glutes to maintain a rigid body. Initiate the pull by squeezing your shoulder blades together, drawing your chest towards your hands.

  4. 4

    Pull your elbows back and slightly out, aiming to bring your hands towards your lower chest, ensuring your rear deltoids and upper back do the work. Exhale as you pull.

  5. 5

    Slowly and with control, extend your arms to return to the starting position, resisting the pull of the sheet. Inhale as you lower.

Tips

  • To increase difficulty, walk your feet further forward, increasing your body angle and the amount of body weight you're pulling.
  • Focus on initiating the movement by retracting your shoulder blades, rather than just pulling with your arms, to maximize rear delt and upper back engagement.
  • Keep your elbows pointing slightly out and back, avoiding flaring them wide or tucking them too close, to effectively target the rear deltoids.
  • Maintain a rigid plank-like body throughout the exercise; avoid allowing your hips to sag or pike, which reduces stability and muscle activation.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding the shoulders forward during the pull reduces rear delt activation; instead, keep your chest open and actively squeeze your shoulder blades together.
  • ×Using too much bicep and not enough back; focus on pulling with your elbows and imagining you are trying to touch your shoulder blades together.
  • ×Allowing your hips to sag towards the floor; maintain a strong, straight line from head to heels by engaging your core and glutes throughout the movement.

Variations

Related Exercises

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