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Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout focuses on maintaining elevated heart rates while incorporating resistance training to help burn fat and preserve muscle mass.

It includes lower weights and higher repetitions, aligning with goals to get lean and burn calories.

Designed for beginners with less than one year of experience, the movements are straightforward yet effective, emphasizing safe execution as well as personal capability.

The pull day exercises feature movements focusing on horizontal and vertical pulls, targeting muscles such as the back and biceps.

A variety of compound and isolation exercises are utilized to ensure a comprehensive routine.

Ideal for those following a PPL (Push, Pull, Legs) program to achieve fitness goals.

The 15 Best Beginner Pull Day Exercises to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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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. 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
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. 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
  • 4. 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
  • 5. 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
  • 6. 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
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 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
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 8. 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
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 9. Dumbbell Wide Curls

    Dumbbell Wide Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    799,835
    Biceps Strength
    70 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Dumbbell Wide Curls are a simple exercise that focuses on building your biceps. By keeping your arms flared out, this exercise helps develop the outer part of your biceps for a fuller appearance.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms flared out to the sides.
    3. Curl the dumbbells up while keeping them wider than shoulder-width at the top.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, feeling the contraction in your biceps.
    5. Lower the dumbbells back down slowly, keeping tension on your biceps.
    6. Keep your elbows close to your sides and maintain good posture throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 10. Cross Body Hammer Curls

    Cross Body Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,172,804
    Biceps Strength
    91 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    Cross Body Hammer Curls are a bicep exercise that involves lifting weights across your body. This movement targets the biceps effectively by moving the dumbbell in a diagonal path rather than straight up and down.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Position the dumbbells in front of you with palms facing your body and elbows slightly bent.
    3. Raise one dumbbell in an arc to the opposite shoulder, keeping your elbow locked.
    4. Hold for a moment at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    5. Switch arms and repeat the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 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 Pull Day Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Pull Day Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat