Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
About
This workout plan prioritizes building muscle mass through carefully structured exercises for maximum effectiveness.
It incorporates both compound and isolation movements, focusing on hypertrophy with higher repetitions and moderate weights compared to purely strength-focused regimens.
Intended for beginners, it utilizes simple yet effective movements and user-friendly equipment to ensure safety while learning proper form.
"Pull Day" exercises target the back and biceps through horizontal pulls like rows and vertical pulls such as pull-ups, addressing multiple muscle groups efficiently.
Begin your People Private Laboratory (PPL) workout journey confidently using this approachable pull workout plan.
Workout 1
Back, Biceps

Dumbbell Row
16reps25lbs26reps25lbs36reps25lbs46reps25lbs56reps25lbs
Barbell Curl
110reps25lbs210reps25lbs310reps25lbs
Dumbbell Bicep Curl
112reps15lbs212reps15lbs312reps15lbs
Cable Row
115reps45lbs215reps45lbs
Lat Pulldown
115reps40lbs215reps40lbs315reps40lbs
Hammer Curls
115reps12.5lbs215reps12.5lbs315reps12.5lbs
Workout 2
Biceps, Back

EZ-Bar Curl
16reps30lbs26reps30lbs36reps30lbs46reps30lbs56reps30lbs
Bent Over Barbell Row
110reps45lbs210reps45lbs310reps45lbs
Hammerstrength High Row
112reps40lbs212reps40lbs312reps40lbs
Hammerstrength Iso Row
115reps45lbs215reps45lbs
Preacher Curl
122reps10lbs222reps10lbs322reps10lbs
Reverse Barbell Curl
115reps15lbs215reps15lbs315reps15lbs
Workout 3
Back, Biceps

Machine Row
16reps45lbs26reps45lbs36reps45lbs46reps45lbs56reps45lbs
Seated Dumbbell Curl
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Incline EZ-Bar Curl
112reps22.5lbs212reps22.5lbs312reps22.5lbs
Smith Machine Bent Over Row
115reps35lbs215reps35lbs
Cross Body Hammer Curls
115reps5lbs215reps5lbs315reps5lbs
Australian Chin Up
18reps28reps38reps48reps58reps
The 15 Best Beginner Pull Day Exercises to Build Muscle Mass
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
Alternative Workouts
Alternative Beginner Workouts to Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Medicine Balls To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Calves Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Lower Back Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Hamstrings Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Upper Body Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Flat Bench To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Core Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Chest And Back Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Chest Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Quadriceps Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Biceps Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Pvc Pipe To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts To Build Muscle Mass For Men
- Best Beginner Workouts With Ez Bar To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Cable Machines To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Resistance Bands To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Legs Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts To Build Muscle Mass For Women
- Best Beginner Workouts With Kettlebells To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Glutes Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Weight Machines To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Bicep And Shoulders Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Dumbbells To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Chest And Tricep Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Triceps Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Stability Swiss Ball To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Back Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Shoulders Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Bosu Balance Trainer To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Pull Up Bar To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Bodyweight To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Arms Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Barbells To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Landmine To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Smith Machine To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Full Body Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Abs Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Push Day Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Workouts With Trx To Build Muscle Mass
Alternative Beginner Pull Day Workouts
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Build Strength
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Olympic Lift
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Pull Up Bar
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Resistance Bands
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Dumbbells
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts For Women
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Weight Machines
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Trx
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Ez Bar
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts For Men
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Barbells
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Cable Machines
Alternative Pull Day Workouts to Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Trx To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Weight Machines To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Ez Bar To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Garage Gym To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts To Build Muscle Mass For Women
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Dumbbells To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Flat Bench To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts To Build Muscle Mass For Men
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Resistance Bands To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Pull Up Bar To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Barbells To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Advanced Pull Day Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Pull Day Workouts With Cable Machines To Build Muscle Mass