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Best Beginner Back Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout plan targets the back muscles with beginner-friendly exercises aimed at promoting fat burning and muscle toning.

The routines utilize simple movements with accessible equipment, ensuring a reduced risk of injury suitable for those with less than a year of experience.

By combining resistance training with sustained elevated heart rates, it helps maintain muscle while effectively burning calories to achieve a lean physique.

Lower weights and higher repetitions are employed to enhance endurance and technique.

Targeting key pulling and stabilizing muscles like those used in rows and lat pull-downs, this workout ensures balanced development and core stabilization.

Adjust the intensity according to personal capability and conditioning level for optimal results.

The 15 Best Beginner Back Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Dumbbell Row

    Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,648,581
    Back Strength
    99 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Dumbbell Row is a great exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps while also engaging your core for stability. You can do this exercise using a flat bench and dumbbells, making it accessible even with limited equipment.

    How to do it

    1. Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
    2. Kneel on the bench with your right knee and place your right hand on the bench's edge.
    3. Keep your torso parallel to the ground and grab the dumbbell with your left hand, palm facing your torso.
    4. Pull the dumbbell up to your side, engaging your back; exhale as you lift.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 2. Back Extensions

    Back Extensions demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,608,448
    Lower Back Strength
    96 mScore
    Lower Back
    Photo of Glute Ham Raise Bench
    Glute Ham Raise Bench

    Back extensions strengthen the lower back and improve core stability. This exercise helps build a strong foundation for your back muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down on the machine with your thighs on the front pad and your calves under the back pads.
    2. Cross your arms in front of you or place them behind your head.
    3. Use your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings to lift your torso until it's parallel to the floor.
    4. Hold this position for a moment.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 3. Superman

    Superman demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,438,343
    Lower Back Strength
    100 mScore
    Lower Back

    The Superman exercise strengthens your lower back, glutes, and upper back. You lie on your stomach and lift your arms and legs off the ground together to engage these muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down with your arms stretched out above your head and legs straight.
    2. Tighten your core by breathing into your belly and activating your abs.
    3. Lift your arms and legs a few inches off the ground together, keeping your ears between your biceps.
    4. Hold for a moment, then lower your arms and legs back down.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    2
    8reps
    3
    8reps
  • 4. Cable Row

    Cable Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,108,322
    Back Strength
    98 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Row Cable
    Row Cable

    The Cable Row is an exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps. It uses a cable machine for proper positioning and resistance control, helping you build muscle and strength in your upper body.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the bench and place your feet on the foot plates.
    2. Hold the handle with both hands, keeping your back straight.
    3. Pull the handle towards your torso while leaning back slightly.
    4. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining tension in your back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 5. Lat Pulldown

    Lat Pulldown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,113,246
    Back Strength
    100 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Lat Pulldown Cable
    Lat Pulldown Cable

    The Lat Pulldown is a great exercise for strengthening your back, shoulders, and biceps. It's similar to a Pull Up but is more stable, making it easier for beginners to control the movement and adjust the resistance.

    How to do it

    1. Attach a bar to the pull-down pulley and grip it with your hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward.
    2. Sit upright on the seat, placing your knees under the adjustable pad.
    3. Engage your core and keep your spine straight.
    4. Pull the bar down towards your chest by bending your elbows, leaning back slightly.
    5. Slowly return the bar to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 6. Kettlebell Alternating Row

    Kettlebell Alternating Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    573,967
    Back Strength
    91 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Alternating Row is a back-strengthening exercise that also works your shoulders and biceps. By alternating lifts, you give each side time to rest and focus, making it effective for building strength and muscle.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a kettlebell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
    3. Bend at your hips to lean your torso forward, keeping kettlebells under your shoulders.
    4. Lift one kettlebell towards your body by pulling your elbow back.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the kettlebell back down.
    6. Switch to the other side and repeat.
    7. Keep your core tight and back straight throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 7. Seated Back Extension

    Seated Back Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,071,881
    Lower Back Strength
    98 mScore
    Lower Back
    Photo of Back Extension Machine
    Back Extension Machine

    The Seated Back Extension machine strengthens your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings safely. It helps improve posture and stability while allowing you to adjust resistance for your level.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the back extension machine with your feet on the footrests.
    2. Position the pad below your shoulder blades and hold the handles with palms facing in.
    3. Tighten your core to keep your back straight as you lean back and lower the pad in a smooth arc.
    4. Extend your hips until your torso is in line with your thighs, then return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    85lbs
    2
    8reps
    85lbs
    3
    8reps
    85lbs
  • 8. Superman Hold

    Superman Hold demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,325,960
    Lower Back Strength
    83 mScore
    Lower Back

    The Superman Hold is a great exercise for strengthening your lower back and improving core stability. You lie on your stomach and lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, holding the position to build endurance.

    How to do it

    1. Lie flat on your stomach with your elbows bent at 90 degrees.
    2. Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the floor.
    3. Hold this position for the specified time.
  • 9. Superman with Scaption

    Superman with Scaption demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,802,042
    Lower Back Strength
    91 mScore
    Lower Back

    The Superman with Scaption is a back exercise that strengthens your lower and upper back muscles. You'll lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground while moving your arms to enhance the workout.

    How to do it

    1. Lie flat on your stomach with your elbows bent at 90 degrees.
    2. Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the floor.
    3. Hold this position while moving your arms forward and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 10. Alternating Superman

    Alternating Superman demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    939,748
    Lower Back Strength
    94 mScore
    Lower Back

    The Alternating Superman is an exercise that strengthens the lower back, glutes, and core by lifting opposite arms and legs. It helps improve balance, coordination, and posture while engaging stabilizing muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down on the floor with arms extended in front and legs straight behind you.
    2. Lift one arm and the opposite leg up while tightening your back and glutes.
    3. Hold for a moment, then lower your arm and leg back down.
    4. Switch sides and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
  • 11. Australian Chin Up

    Australian Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    517,270
    Back Strength
    55 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Squat Rack
    Squat Rack

    The Australian Chin Up is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back, biceps, and shoulders. You perform it from a low, inclined position using a bar, making it easier than regular Chin Ups. It's a great way for beginners to build strength towards full Chin Ups.

    How to do it

    1. Lie underneath a low bar and grab it with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
    2. Keep your legs and body straight, starting with your arms fully extended.
    3. Pull your chest towards the bar while keeping your elbows close, engaging your core to maintain a straight line.
    4. Lower yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    6reps
    2
    6reps
    3
    6reps
  • 12. Dumbbell Bent Over Row

    Dumbbell Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,165,923
    Back Strength
    97 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Bent Over Row targets your back and biceps. Using dumbbells helps ensure both sides of your body are trained equally and adds difficulty, making it great for building strength and muscle in your back workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells beside your hips.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and push your hips back, leaning your torso forward at a 45-degree angle.
    3. Keep your arms extended with dumbbells under your shoulders.
    4. Pull the dumbbells toward your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 13. Landmine Row

    Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    593,522
    Back Strength
    90 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Row is a strength exercise that mainly works your back, shoulders, and biceps. It uses a landmine to create a unique movement, helping increase muscle mass and strength while varying your workout routine.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, straddling the barbell, and face away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    3. Bend your knees slightly, hinge at your hips, and grip the barbell near the base.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or chest by bending your elbows.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 14. Single Arm Landmine Row

    Single Arm Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    247,726
    Back Strength
    80 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Row is an exercise that targets your back muscles. By using one arm at a time, you can focus on building strength evenly and improving stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Brace your core to maintain a neutral spine.
    3. Bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips to reach for the barbell with your right hand.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or until a plate touches your chest with your right elbow.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 15. Mini Loop Band Kneeling Row

    Mini Loop Band Kneeling Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    356,726
    Back Strength
    53 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Mini Loop Bands
    Mini Loop Bands

    The Mini Loop Band Kneeling Row is a back exercise that works each side of your body independently, promoting balance and strength. Using a loop band adds increasing tension as you pull, enhancing the workout's effectiveness.

    How to do it

    1. Kneel on your left knee with your right foot in front.
    2. Place a loop band under your right foot and hold it with your right hand, keeping your arm straight down.
    3. Pull the band by bending your right elbow until your hand is by your torso.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Back Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Back Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat