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Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts For Women

About

This workout plan focuses on effective pull exercises that are tailored for individuals based on generalized attributes while emphasizing the importance of individual modifications.

Pull exercises, encompassing both horizontal movements like Rows and vertical movements such as Pull-Ups, target Back and Biceps muscles, promoting comprehensive strength development.

Designed specifically for women, exercise weights and repetitions are based on average parameters (5’5”, 140 lbs, 34 years old) with flexibility for personal adjustments.

Furthermore, these exercises cater to beginners, employing straightforward movements and manageable equipment to support learning proper technique while delivering a challenging and rewarding experience.

By following this regimen, participants can cultivate foundational strength and progress toward their fitness aspirations.

The 15 Best Beginner Pull Day Exercises for Women

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 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
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 2. 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
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 3. 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
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 4. Barbell Curl

    Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,529,638
    Biceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand up straight and grasp a barbell with both hands, shoulder-width apart, palms facing away.
    2. Tighten your core by taking a deep breath and flexing your stomach muscles.
    3. Bend your elbows to lift the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
    4. Exhale and slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 5. Dumbbell Bicep Curl

    Dumbbell Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    10,161,709
    Biceps Strength
    99 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
    2. Engage your core by breathing deeply and tightening your abdominal muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to lift one dumbbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your elbow close to your side.
    4. As you lift, rotate your wrist so your palm faces your shoulder at the top of the curl.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back to the starting position by rotating your wrist back to palms-facing position.
    6. Once the first dumbbell is down, repeat the process with the other arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 6. EZ-Bar Curl

    EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    4,152,468
    Biceps Strength
    97 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar

    The 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

    1. Stand up straight and hold the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms facing away from you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Curl the bar by bending your elbows, raising it to shoulder height while keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the bar back to the starting position and exhale.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 7. Hammer Curls

    Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,921,793
    Biceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Hammer 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

    1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing inward and arms at your sides.
    3. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    4. Curl one dumbbell up to shoulder height while keeping your elbow close to your side.
    5. Lower the dumbbell back down to the starting position.
    6. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    12.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    12.5lbs
  • 8. Bent Over Barbell Row

    Bent Over Barbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,003,534
    Back Strength
    96 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a barbell on the ground near your shins.
    2. Bend your hips back and slightly bend your knees to reach for the barbell while bracing your core.
    3. Grab the barbell with your palms facing you and lift it to knee height by extending your hips.
    4. Pull the barbell towards your belly button by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lower the barbell back to knee height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 9. Hammerstrength High Row

    Hammerstrength High Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,357,345
    Back Strength
    95 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Hammerstrength (Leverage) Machine (all forms)
    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

    1. Sit up straight in the high row machine and press your chest against the pad.
    2. Grab the handles with an overhand grip.
    3. Pull the handles towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    4. Return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 10. Hammerstrength Iso Row

    Hammerstrength Iso Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,388,040
    Back Strength
    95 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Hammerstrength (Leverage) Machine (all forms)
    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

    1. Sit upright in the Hammerstrength Iso Row machine, resting your chest against the pad.
    2. Hold the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
    3. Engage your core to maintain a straight spine.
    4. Relax your shoulders and pull your elbows back at a 45-degree angle until the handles touch your torso.
    5. Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 11. Machine Row

    Machine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,784,270
    Back Strength
    97 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Row Machine
    Row Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit upright in the row machine with your chest against the support pad.
    2. Grab the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
    3. Tighten your core to keep your back straight.
    4. Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 12. Smith Machine Bent Over Row

    Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    865,614
    Back Strength
    87 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The 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

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bar at knee height.
    2. Engage your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to reach for the bar.
    3. Grab the bar with palms facing you.
    4. Lift the bar by bending your elbows to bring it to your belly button level.
    5. Lower the bar back to knee height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 13. Preacher Curl

    Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,646,964
    Biceps Strength
    92 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Preacher Curl Bench
    Preacher Curl Bench
    Photo of EZ Bar
    EZ Bar

    The 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

    1. Sit on the preacher curl bench with your chest against the pad.
    2. Grab the EZ-bar with an underhand grip, arms extended over the pad.
    3. Flex your elbows to lift the bar, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
    4. Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 14. Reverse Barbell Curl

    Reverse Barbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,203,913
    Biceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The 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

    1. Stand upright holding a barbell with both hands, palms facing towards you, at waist height.
    2. Engage your core by tightening your stomach muscles.
    3. Flex your elbows to raise the barbell to shoulder height, keeping your elbows close to your body.
    4. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 15. Seated Dumbbell Curl

    Seated Dumbbell Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,675,670
    Biceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The 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

    1. Sit upright on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, arms at your sides and palms facing in.
    2. Tighten your core and bend one elbow to lift the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm still.
    3. Lower the dumbbell back down and repeat with the other arm.
    4. Alternate lifting each arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts for Women

Alternative Pull Day Workouts for Women

Alternative Beginner Pull Day Workouts