12 Pull Day Exercises & Workouts

In a well-rounded strength training program, pull day exercises play a crucial role in developing a balanced and powerful upper body. These workouts target the back, biceps, and posterior chain muscles, contributing to improved posture, enhanced muscle definition, and increased overall strength. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essence of pull day workouts, their significance in resistance training, and the benefits they offer for muscle growth and functional fitness.

What is a Pull Day?

Before we dive into the best pull day exercises and workouts, let’s grasp the concept of pull day workouts and understand their role in a well-structured resistance training routine. Pull day, along with push and leg days, constitutes one of the fundamental split routines used to organize various exercises for optimal muscle targeting and recovery. Unlike push exercises that involve pushing movements, pull exercises primarily focus on pulling movements, engaging muscles on the backside of the body.

On a pull day, the emphasis is on the posterior chain, which includes the back, rear deltoids, and biceps. These muscles are crucial for upper body strength, stability, and overall athletic performance. By incorporating pull day workouts into your routine, you create a harmonious balance that complements the efforts of push and leg days, promoting symmetrical development and reducing the risk of muscle imbalances.

What Muscles Do Pull Day Work?

Pull day workouts are a treasure trove of exercises that target specific muscles in the upper body. Let’s delve into the primary muscles that come into play during pull day sessions.

1. Back Muscles: The lats (latissimus dorsi), rhomboids, and traps (trapezius) are the major players when it comes to back muscles. These muscles are responsible for various pulling movements and contribute significantly to upper body strength and stability.
2. Biceps: As one of the primary muscles worked during pull exercises, the biceps play a vital role in elbow flexion and arm strength. Strengthening the biceps enhances pulling capacity and overall arm aesthetics.
3. Rear Deltoids: The rear deltoids, or posterior deltoids, are located at the back of the shoulders. Engaging them during pull day workouts helps improve shoulder stability and creates a well-rounded shoulder appearance.
4. Supporting Muscles: Besides the major muscle groups, pull day exercises also engage several supporting muscles, such as the teres major, infraspinatus, and lower back muscles. These muscles work synergistically to provide stability and control during various pulling movements.

Read more: 15 Best Push Day Exercises & Workouts

12 Best Pull Day Exercises & Workouts

1. Pull-Ups

Pull-ups are iconic and challenging exercises that deserve a prominent spot in any pull day routine. They are bodyweight exercises that primarily target the lats, biceps, and other supporting muscles. Ensuring proper form during pull-ups is crucial for maximizing benefits while reducing the risk of injury.

How to perform pull-ups with proper form:

1. Locate a stable overhead bar or a designated pull-up station.
2. Hang from the bar with a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, palms facing away from you (overhand grip).
3. Activate your core while drawing your shoulder blades back.
4. Initiate the pull by driving your elbows down and back, pulling your chest toward the bar.
5. Continue the motion until your chin is above the bar. 
6. Lower yourself down with control to the starting position.

Common mistakes to avoid during pull-ups:

• Using excessive momentum or swinging to complete the rep.
• Failing to fully straighten your arms during the downward phase of the movement.
• Allowing your shoulders to round forward during the pull.

Incorporate pull-ups into your pull day routine to build upper body strength and develop impressive back and biceps muscles.

2. Lat Pulldowns

Lat pulldowns are excellent alternatives for those who may not be able to perform pull-ups yet or wish to add variation to their pull day workouts. This machine-based exercise specifically targets the lats and offers adjustable resistance to accommodate different fitness levels.

How to perform:

1. Position yourself on the lat pulldown machine, securing your thighs under the pads.
2. Grab the wide bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
3. Keep your back straight and chest up as you pull the bar down towards your chest.
4. Engage your shoulder blades while reaching the bottom position.
5. Gently lower the bar to the initial position, maintaining smooth control.

Common mistakes to watch out for during lat pulldowns:

• Using an improper grip width, which is either too narrow or too wide, may hinder the optimal engagement of the targeted muscles.
• Pulling the bar down behind your neck instead of in front of it, which can strain the shoulders.

Lat pulldowns are a valuable addition to your pull day workout, allowing you to effectively target and strengthen your lats while maintaining proper form.

3. Straight-Arm Lat Pulldowns

Straight-arm lat pulldowns are an excellent exercise to target the lats while focusing on the muscle’s lengthening and stretching. This variation puts more emphasis on the lats, engaging them throughout the entire range of motion.

How to perform straight-arm lat pulldowns effectively:

1. Stand facing the lat pulldown machine with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Grab the bar with a wide grip, palms facing down.
3. Keep arms straight and engage core as you pull the bar down towards thighs.
4. Focus on using lats for the movement, avoiding excessive elbow bending.
5. Slowly release the bar back to starting position with control.

Common mistakes to avoid when doing straight-arm lat pulldowns:

• Bending the elbows too much, shifting the focus away from the lats.
• Rounding the back or using momentum to complete the movement.

Adding straight-arm lat pulldowns to your pull day routine can help enhance the mind-muscle connection with your lats and improve the overall development of your back muscles.

4. Seated Cable Rows

Seated cable rows are a versatile exercise that targets multiple muscle groups in the back and arms. This compound movement is effective in building overall back strength and promoting good posture.

Step-by-step guide on performing seated cable rows:

1. Sit on the rowing machine with feet flat on footrests and knees slightly bent.
2. Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, positioning your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
3. Maintain a straight posture and engage core muscles.
4. Pull the handle towards the midsection.
5. Squeeze shoulder blades together at the peak.
6. Slowly extend arms back to starting position with control.

Common mistakes to be aware of during seated cable rows:

• Using too much weight, leading to improper form and reduced muscle engagement.
• Rounding the back or hunching the shoulders during the movement.

Including seated cable rows in your pull day routine provides a well-rounded back workout, targeting various muscles for a stronger and more defined back.

5. Bent-Over Barbell Rows

Bent-over barbell rows are classic compound exercises that effectively target the upper and lower back, as well as the biceps. This movement helps build a powerful and defined back while increasing overall strength.

Proper form and execution of bent-over barbell rows:

1. Position yourself with your feet at shoulder-width distance, holding the barbell firmly using an overhand grip.
2. Hinge at your hips, maintaining a flat back and chest lifted.
3. Slightly bend your knees and let the barbell hang down at arm’s length.
4. Engage your back muscles as you pull the barbell toward your midsection, driving your elbows back and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
5. Lower the barbell with controlled motion, maintaining a stable back position throughout the exercise.

Common mistakes to avoid while doing bent-over barbell rows:

• Rounding the back or arching the spine, which can lead to injury.
• Avoiding the use of momentum and focusing on controlled movements to engage the muscles effectively while lifting the weight.

Bent-over barbell rows are an effective addition to your pull day routine, providing significant benefits to your back and arm muscles.

6. Pendlay Rows

Pendlay rows are an excellent variation of barbell rows that focus on explosive pulling power and back strength. This exercise helps in building a thick and powerful upper back.

How to perform Pendlay rows correctly:

1. Position yourself with feet shoulder-width apart, grasping the barbell using an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than your knees.
2. Maintain a flat back and a lifted chest as you hinge at your hips, allowing the barbell to touch the ground.
3. Engage your core and swiftly pull the barbell towards your lower chest, driving your elbows backward.
4. Lower the barbell back to the ground with controlled movement, ensuring to reset your position before each repetition.

Common mistakes to watch out for during Pendlay rows:

• Using excessive momentum or swinging to lift the barbell.
• Allowing the back to round or the shoulders to hunch during the movement.

Incorporate Pendlay rows into your pull day workout for a challenging and rewarding exercise that contributes to a strong and well-developed back.

7. Bent-Over Dumbbell Flies

Bent-over dumbbell flies are isolation exercises that target the upper back and rear deltoids. These exercises contribute to improved shoulder stability and create a balanced and sculpted back appearance.

Proper technique for performing bent-over dumbbell flies:

1. Position yourself with your feet at shoulder-width distance, grasping a dumbbell in each hand.
2. Strengthen your core, ensure a stable back position, and elevate your chest as you hinge at the hips, gradually lowering your torso until it’s nearly parallel to the floor.
3. Gradually raise the dumbbells out to your sides, ensuring a slight bend in your elbows as your arms reach parallel to the ground.
4. Maximize the engagement of your upper back muscles by concentrating on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the peak of the movement.
5. Lower the dumbbells back down with control, ensuring your back remains stable throughout the exercise.

Common mistakes to avoid during bent-over dumbbell flies:

• Using momentum to lift the dumbbells instead of relying on proper muscle control.
• Allowing the back to round or the shoulders to roll forward during the movement.

Including bent-over dumbbell flies in your pull day routine will help target and strengthen the rear deltoids and upper back, enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of your back muscles.

8. Inverted Barbell Rows

Inverted barbell rows, also known as bodyweight rows, are effective bodyweight exercises that target the back and biceps. These exercises can be performed using a barbell set at waist height or a suspension trainer.

How to perform inverted barbell rows with good form:

1. Set up a stable barbell at waist height or utilize a secure suspension trainer for this exercise.
2. Position yourself underneath the bar or suspension trainer, grasping it with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
3. Ensure your body remains in a straight line and engage your core for stability.
4. Initiate the motion by drawing your chest towards the bar or handles.
5. At the peak of the exercise, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together to maximize muscle engagement.
6. Lower your body back down in a controlled manner, maintaining proper form and alignment throughout the entire movement.

Common mistakes to be cautious of during inverted barbell rows:

• Allowing the hips to drop or the back to arch, compromising the effectiveness of the exercise.
• Using a grip that is too narrow or too wide, reducing the engagement of the targeted muscles.

Incorporate inverted barbell rows into your pull day routine to add variety and challenge while developing back and biceps strength using your body weight.

9. Single-Arm Dumbbell Rows

Single-arm dumbbell rows are unilateral exercises that target the lats and rhomboids, promoting better muscle symmetry and balance between both sides of the body.

Step-by-step guide on performing single-arm dumbbell rows:

1. Stand with your feet staggered, one foot slightly in front of the other, and hold a dumbbell in one hand.
2. Bend at your hips, maintaining a flat back and lifted chest, until your upper body is nearly parallel to the floor.
3. Place your free hand on a bench or another stable surface for support.
4. Pull the dumbbell towards your midsection, driving your elbow back and squeezing your shoulder blade.
5. Lower the dumbbell back down with control and repeat on the other side.

Common mistakes to be mindful of during single-arm dumbbell rows:

• Rounding the back or using excessive momentum to lift the weight.
• Allowing the shoulder to roll forward during the movement, reducing the engagement of the back muscles.

Including single-arm dumbbell rows in your pull day routine helps enhance muscle symmetry and stability while targeting specific muscles effectively.

10. Seal Rows

Seal rows are an advanced variation of bent-over dumbbell rows that specifically target the upper back and rhomboids. This exercise requires stability and control, making it a valuable addition to your pull day routine.

How to properly perform seal rows:

1. Set up a bench at a slight incline, around 15-30 degrees.
2. Lie face down on the bench, ensuring your chest is well-supported, and keep your feet flat on the ground.
3. Hold onto two dumbbells, using an overhand grip with palms facing inward.
4. Engage your back muscles as you pull the dumbbells towards your midsection, driving your elbows back and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
5. Lower the dumbbells back down with controlled movement, maintaining a stable position on the bench.

Common mistakes to avoid during seal rows:

• Excessive weight usage, leading to compromised form.
• Allowing the shoulders to roll forward, reducing the effectiveness of the exercise.

Seal rows are an advanced pull day exercise that can help you achieve greater muscle activation and overall upper back development.

11. Shrugs

Shrugs are isolation exercises that specifically target the upper trapezius muscles, contributing to improved neck and shoulder strength and stability. While they are often associated with shoulder workouts, shrugs can also be a beneficial addition to your pull day routine.

Proper technique for performing shrugs effectively:

1. Maintain a shoulder-width stance while gripping a dumbbell in each hand or holding a barbell in front of you with an overhand grip.
2. Lift your shoulders towards your ears, as if trying to touch them.
3. Hold the peak contraction for a moment, focusing on engaging the upper trapezius muscles.
4. Lower your shoulders back down with control.

Common mistakes to be cautious of during shrugs:

• Using too much resistance can compromise proper form and reduce muscle activation.
• Rolling the shoulders forward or backward instead of moving them straight up and down.

Incorporating shrugs into your pull day routine can help strengthen and define your upper trapezius muscles, enhancing your overall shoulder and neck development.

12. Biceps Curls

While biceps curls are often associated with arm workouts, they are also essential for a well-rounded pull day routine. These isolation exercises target the biceps, contributing to improved arm strength and aesthetics.

How to perform biceps curls with proper form:

1. Maintain a shoulder-width stance, grasp a dumbbell in each hand with arms extended, and palms facing forward.
2. Stabilize your upper arms and perform controlled curls, lifting the dumbbells toward your shoulders while squeezing your biceps at the peak of the motion.
3. Lower the dumbbells back down with control to the starting position.

Common mistakes to watch out for during biceps curls:

• Avoiding controlled movements and relying on momentum to lift the dumbbells.
• Swinging the elbows or arching the back, which reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.

Biceps curls are a crucial component of your pull day routine, ensuring you address both the back and arm muscles for balanced upper body development.

Sample Pull Day Workout Routines

To help you structure an effective pull day workout routine, here are three sample routines tailored for different fitness goals:

Pull Day Workout for Strength

• Pull-ups – 3 sets of 5 reps
• Bent-Over Barbell Rows – 3 sets of 6-8 reps
• Inverted Barbell Rows – 3 sets of 8-10 reps
• Shrugs – 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Pull Day Workout for Hypertrophy

• Lat Pulldowns – 4 sets of 8-10 reps
• Single-Arm Dumbbell Rows – 4 sets of 10-12 reps per arm
• Biceps Curls – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Bent-Over Dumbbell Flies – 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Home Pull Day Workout

• Seal Rows (using resistance bands or dumbbells) – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
• Bodyweight Inverted Rows – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
• Bent-Over Dumbbell Rows – 3 sets of 10-12 reps per arm
• Push-Ups – 3 sets of 10-15 reps

Useful Tips for Your Pull Day Workout

To optimize your pull day workout and achieve the best results, consider these helpful tips:

• Proper Warm-Up: Prior to commencing your pull day workout, ensure to warm up your muscles through dynamic stretches and light cardio, promoting increased blood flow and preparing your body for the exercises ahead.
• Mind-Muscle Connection: Maintain a strong focus on activating the specific muscles targeted during each exercise. Visualize the muscle working and concentrate on the contraction to maximize muscle activation.
• Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the resistance or weight you use for each exercise to continually challenge your muscles and promote growth and strength development.
• Controlled Movements: Avoid using momentum or swinging during exercises. Emphasize controlled movements to fully engage the muscles and minimize the risk of injury.
• Breathing Technique: Remember to breathe properly during each exercise. Inhale during the eccentric (lowering) phase and exhale during the concentric (lifting) phase of the movement.
• Rest Periods: Allow adequate rest between sets to allow your muscles to recover. The recommended rest period is typically between 60 to 90 seconds.

Maximize Pull Day Exercise Performance with Supplements

While a well-balanced diet is essential for overall health and fitness, supplements can complement your pull day workouts and aid in muscle recovery and growth. Here are some supplements to consider incorporating into your routine:

1. Creatine: Creatine is a popular supplement known for its ability to enhance strength and power during resistance training. It also supports muscle recovery, allowing you to train at a higher intensity.
2. Whey Protein: Whey protein, a rapidly absorbed protein source, aids in fulfilling your post-workout protein needs. It aids in muscle repair and growth, promoting optimal recovery.
3. Pre-Workout Supplements: Pre-workout supplements can provide an extra boost of energy and focus before your pull day workout. Consider products containing beneficial ingredients like caffeine and beta-alanine.

When using supplements, it’s essential to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Recovery and Mobility on Pull Day

Recovery and mobility play crucial roles in maintaining optimal performance and preventing injuries during pull day workouts. Here are some practices to integrate into your routine:

• Post-Workout Stretching: After your pull day session, perform static stretches to lengthen and relax the muscles worked. Focus on stretches that target the back, shoulders, and arms.
• Foam Rolling: Incorporate foam rolling into your warm-up or cool-down routine to release muscle tension and improve mobility. Pay attention to the upper back and lats.
• Mobility Exercises: Implement exercises that enhance mobility and flexibility, such as shoulder dislocations and thoracic spine rotations. These movements can improve your range of motion for pull day exercises.
• Rest and Sleep: Ensure your body gets ample time for recovery and repair. Aim to achieve 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night to foster muscle growth and overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pull day exercises and workouts are integral components of a balanced strength training program. Targeting the back, biceps, and posterior chain muscles, pull day routines contribute to improved posture, increased upper body strength, and enhanced functional fitness.

Designing a personalized pull day workout routine based on your fitness goals and experience level is essential for achieving optimal results. Focus on proper form, controlled movements, and progressive overload to challenge yourself and continuously improve.

Remember to integrate rest, recovery, and proper nutrition into your fitness journey to support muscle growth and overall well-being. By incorporating the 12 best pull day exercises into your routine and following the provided tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving muscle and strength gains that will leave you feeling accomplished and empowered.