ActiveMeadow rows: the low-impact exercise for a stronger back and gripBarbell rows doing your back in? Meadow rows could be a good alternativeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

ActiveMeadow rows: the low-impact exercise for a stronger back and gripBarbell rows doing your back in? Meadow rows could be a good alternativeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Barbell rows doing your back in? Meadow rows could be a good alternative

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A man loading weight plates onto a barbell to perform meadow rows

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Your back may not be top of your priority list– at least in comparison to your arms and chest– but if you want to fully fill out your t-shirt then it needs to be. Barbell rows may be hailed as the best back builder, but if you’re looking for a new strength exercise to particularly hit the upper back and those hard-to-reach lower lats, why not try meadow rows?

As well as working your back one side at a time, helping to reduce strength imbalances, meadow rows will also hammer your forearms. This is because you have to hold onto the thick end of the barbell, making them brilliant for boosting your grip strength, which will have great carryover to your other lifts (looking at youdeadliftsandpull-ups).

They work your lats through a greater range of motion in comparison tobarbell rowstoo. With the latter, you’re using both hands to grip the barbell so you can’t rotate your torso on the way down, limiting your range of motion. However, with the meadow row you can, because you’re only using one hand. This results in a bigger stretch of the lats which can drive hypertrophy.

Meadow rows can also be easier on your lower back too. In fact, in an interview withTiger Fitness, John Meadows says this is one of the reasons he stopped doing bent-over rows and started favouring his meadow row because they place less stress on the lower back and more on the upper back.

Plus, if you want to goreallyheavy and have just so happened to max out the dumbbell rack, you can! As you can load up the end of the barbell with plenty of plates, so its over-loading potential for this exercise is top-notch.

How to do meadow rows

Meadows Row | Elite Physique Training - YouTubeWatch On

Meadows Row | Elite Physique Training - YouTube

Meadows Row | Elite Physique Training - YouTube

Meadows Row | Elite Physique Training - YouTube

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

Campfire Audio Clara IEMs

Campfire’s new premium buds put Nine Inch Nails into your earsCampfire’s cutting-edge IEMs are not something you can never have

Campfire’s cutting-edge IEMs are not something you can never have

A woman performing dumbbell squats in her living room

You only need two dumbbells and this 30-minute workout to grow your glutes at home

R.A.D One V2

R.A.D unveils the next generation of its iconic workout shoe with a redesigned upper and more cushioningThe first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks

The first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks

Hyperice Normatec Premier

Normatec Premier review: wireless compression for hassle-free recoveryThe Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever

The Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever

A woman doing a Pilates back workout

Pilates vs weight training: what are they and what’s best for you?Beginners will benefit massively from both approaches to strength training, but each has its merits and downfalls

Beginners will benefit massively from both approaches to strength training, but each has its merits and downfalls

Adidas launches Dropset 3 workout shoes

Full-body workouts versus push-pull-legs: which is best for maximal muscle gain?Discover which of these two popular training programmes is best for you and your end goals

Discover which of these two popular training programmes is best for you and your end goals

Man doing bodyweight push ups

Callisthenics versus weight training: Do you need fancy equipment to build a great body?Bodyweight is a powerful tool in building muscle. We run down the key differences between these two training styles

Bodyweight is a powerful tool in building muscle. We run down the key differences between these two training styles

A man performing a deadlift

Push-pull-legs vs. upper/lower body workouts: which split is best?Maximise exercise volume to pack on serious muscle with these time-saving workout options

Maximise exercise volume to pack on serious muscle with these time-saving workout options

A muscular man performing bicep curls at the gym

Strength training vs. bodybuilding: What’s the difference and what’s best for you?Here’s everything you need to know about building muscle and improving strength

Here’s everything you need to know about building muscle and improving strength

Portrait of smiling young woman standing on a road park and looking at camera. Curly hair. Sleeveless orange t-shirt.

Get Fit 2025: T3’s ultimate fitness, diet and exercise tips to help you get in shape this yearKickstart your fitness journey in 2025 with our guide to workouts, diet tips, and sustainable strategies that will help you get stronger, feel healthier, and stay motivated all year long

Kickstart your fitness journey in 2025 with our guide to workouts, diet tips, and sustainable strategies that will help you get stronger, feel healthier, and stay motivated all year long