Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts For Men
About
This workout emphasizes simple yet effective exercises tailored for those with less than a year of experience, ensuring safety and proper form development.
Movements in this routine target pull patterns, engaging muscles such as the back and biceps through both horizontal and vertical exercises.
Repetitions and weights are adjusted for an average individual (5'10", 180lbs, 35 years old) but can be scaled based on unique personal capabilities.
Incorporating this Pull Day routine into a PPL (Push, Pull, Legs) split is a great way to achieve balanced progress.
Workout 1
Back, Biceps

Dumbbell Row
15reps25lbs25reps25lbs35reps25lbs45reps25lbs55reps25lbs
Barbell Curl
18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
110reps17.5lbs210reps17.5lbs310reps17.5lbs
Cable Row
114reps45lbs214reps45lbs
Hammer Curls
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Hammerstrength High Row
112reps40lbs212reps40lbs312reps40lbs
Workout 2
Back, Biceps

Lat Pulldown
14reps65lbs24reps65lbs34reps65lbs44reps65lbs54reps65lbs
Preacher Curl
112reps20lbs212reps20lbs312reps20lbs
EZ-Bar Curl
110reps35lbs210reps35lbs310reps35lbs
Bent Over Barbell Row
112reps40lbs212reps40lbs
Hammerstrength Iso Row
114reps45lbs214reps45lbs314reps45lbs
Reverse Barbell Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Workout 3
Biceps, Back

Seated Dumbbell Curl
15reps17.5lbs25reps17.5lbs35reps17.5lbs45reps17.5lbs55reps17.5lbs
Australian Chin Up
18reps28reps38reps48reps
Machine Row
110reps40lbs210reps40lbs310reps40lbs
Smith Machine Bent Over Row
112reps40lbs212reps40lbs
Incline EZ-Bar Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Cross Body Hammer Curls
112reps5lbs212reps5lbs312reps5lbs
The 15 Best Beginner Pull Day Exercises for Men
Ranked By
Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Cable Row
Cable Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED6,108,322Back Strength98 mScoreBack
Row CableThe 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
- Sit on the bench and place your feet on the foot plates.
- Hold the handle with both hands, keeping your back straight.
- Pull the handle towards your torso while leaning back slightly.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
- Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining tension in your back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs2. Dumbbell Row
Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED8,648,581Back Strength99 mScoreBack
Dumbbells
Flat BenchThe 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
- Place a dumbbell on each side of a flat bench.
- Kneel on the bench with your right knee and place your right hand on the bench's edge.
- Keep your torso parallel to the ground and grab the dumbbell with your left hand, palm facing your torso.
- Pull the dumbbell up to your side, engaging your back; exhale as you lift.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs3. Lat Pulldown
Lat Pulldown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED8,113,246Back Strength100 mScoreBack
Lat Pulldown CableThe 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
- Attach a bar to the pull-down pulley and grip it with your hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward.
- Sit upright on the seat, placing your knees under the adjustable pad.
- Engage your core and keep your spine straight.
- Pull the bar down towards your chest by bending your elbows, leaning back slightly.
- Slowly return the bar to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps55lbs28reps55lbs38reps55lbs4. Barbell Curl
Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,529,638Biceps Strength96 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Barbell Curl is a great exercise that targets your biceps by isolating the muscle. Using a barbell helps keep your movements stable so you can focus on building strength without losing balance.
How to do it
- Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
- Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
- Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
- Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs5. Dumbbell Bicep Curl
Dumbbell Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED10,161,709Biceps Strength99 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Dumbbell Bicep Curl is a popular exercise that targets the biceps, helping to build strength and muscle. Using dumbbells allows for better control and range of motion, making it an effective choice for workouts.
How to do it
- Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
- Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abdominal muscles.
- Flex your elbows to lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your elbow close to your side.
- As you lift, rotate your wrist so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the curl.
- Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by rotating your wrist back to palms-facing position.
- Once the first dumbbell is down, repeat the process with the other arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs6. EZ-Bar Curl
EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,152,468Biceps Strength97 mScoreBiceps
EZ BarThe EZ-Bar Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your biceps. Using an EZ-Bar offers better stability and comfort for your wrists, making it easier to concentrate on lifting weights.
How to do it
- Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs7. Hammer Curls
Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED8,921,793Biceps Strength98 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsHammer Curls are a bicep exercise that involve turning your wrists for a more natural grip. This helps target the long head of the bicep while building muscle and strength.
How to do it
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward and arms at your sides.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Curl one dumbbell up to shoulder height while keeping your elbow close to your side.
- Lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs8. Bent Over Barbell Row
Bent Over Barbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,003,534Back Strength96 mScoreBack
BarbellsThe Bent Over Barbell Row is an effective exercise for strengthening your back, shoulders, and arms. It uses a barbell for stability, helping you focus on building strength, making it a good introduction to more advanced lifting techniques.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a barbell on the ground near your shins.
- Bend your hips back and slightly bend your knees to reach for the barbell while bracing your core.
- Grab the barbell with your palms facing you and lift it to knee height by extending your hips.
- Pull the barbell towards your belly button by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
- Lower the barbell back to knee height and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs9. Hammerstrength High Row
Hammerstrength High Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,357,345Back Strength95 mScoreBack
Hammerstrength (Leverage) Machine (all forms)The Hammerstrength High Row is an exercise that strengthens your back muscles. It uses a machine to help stabilize your movement, making it easier to focus on lifting weights properly.
How to do it
- Sit up straight in the high row machine and press your chest against the pad.
- Grab the handles with an overhand grip.
- Pull the handles towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
- Return the handles to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs10. Hammerstrength Iso Row
Hammerstrength Iso Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,388,040Back Strength95 mScoreBack
Hammerstrength (Leverage) Machine (all forms)The Hammerstrength Iso Row is a back exercise that uses a specialized machine for better support and focus on your movements. This machine provides stability, allowing you to concentrate more on the effort rather than balancing yourself.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the Hammerstrength Iso Row machine, resting your chest against the pad.
- Hold the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
- Engage your core to maintain a straight spine.
- Relax your shoulders and pull your elbows back at a 45-degree angle until the handles touch your torso.
- Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs11. Machine Row
Machine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,784,270Back Strength97 mScoreBack
Row MachineThe Machine Row is a great exercise for working on your back muscles. Using a machine helps you maintain stability and control, making it perfect for beginners to practice the seated row technique.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the row machine with your chest against the support pad.
- Grab the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
- Tighten your core to keep your back straight.
- Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs12. Smith Machine Bent Over Row
Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED865,614Back Strength87 mScoreBack
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Bent Over Row is an exercise that targets the back muscles using a Smith Machine for added stability. It helps beginners improve their form and strength while performing the row movement.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bar at knee height.
- Engage your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to reach for the bar.
- Grab the bar with palms facing you.
- Lift the bar by bending your elbows to bring it to your belly button level.
- Lower the bar back to knee height and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs13. Preacher Curl
Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,646,964Biceps Strength92 mScoreBiceps
Preacher Curl Bench
EZ BarThe Preacher Curl is a great bicep exercise that helps build strength. Using a preacher curl bench keeps your elbows still and focused, reducing any swinging or cheating. This exercise allows you to concentrate on working your biceps effectively with the help of an EZ-bar for support.
How to do it
- Sit on the preacher curl bench with your chest against the pad.
- Grab the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, arms extended over the pad.
- Flex your elbows to lift the bar, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs14. Reverse Barbell Curl
Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,203,913Biceps Strength89 mScoreBiceps
BarbellsThe Reverse Barbell Curl is a bicep exercise that focuses on grip strength and functional strength. By using a barbell with a reverse grip, you can stabilize the movement better, allowing for more effective bicep training.
How to do it
- Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
- Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
- Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs15. Seated Dumbbell Curl
Seated Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,675,670Biceps Strength95 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsThe Seated Dumbbell Curl is an exercise that focuses on building your biceps. By using dumbbells while sitting, you can maintain good form and prevent using your body to lift the weights.
How to do it
- Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides and palms facing in.
- Tighten your core and bend one elbow to lift the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm still.
- Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat with the other arm.
- Alternate lifting each arm.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs
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