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.

Save Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

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.

In the Ellim app, Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

  • Log sets, reps, and weight

    Track every set as you train

  • See your strength curve

    Performance graphs across all sessions

  • Add to a routine

    Save into a custom workout in one tap

  • Rest timer with Live Activity

    Dynamic Island countdown between sets

  • HealthKit sync

    Workouts flow to Apple Health

  • 3,500+ exercise library

    Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train rear delt row with bed sheet?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet work?
Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet primarily targets Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers. Secondary muscles include Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Deltoid Posterior.
Is Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet good for beginners?
Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet?
You need Body weight to perform Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet?
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.
What are common mistakes when doing Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet?
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.

Track every rep of Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet.

Watch your weight climb session by session. See your strength curve. Add it to a routine you'll actually run.

Get Ellim — Free

Ready to train?

Rear Delt Row with Bed Sheet

Get Ellim — Free