Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Power Lift
About
Powerlifting emphasizes three fundamental exercises: the Bench Press, Back Squat, and Deadlift.
This workout routine aims to progressively enhance your maximum strength capabilities in these pivotal movements.
Beginner-friendly, the exercises included are simplified and utilize user-friendly equipment with a reduced risk of injury, catering to individuals with less than one year of experience.
Pull day workouts concentrate on exercises involving horizontal and vertical pulling motions, targeting the Back and Biceps.
The routine is structured to incorporate PPL methodologies, providing a balanced approach to training specific muscle groups effectively.
Whether you're introducing yourself to the foundation of powerlifting or seeking to bolster your existing strength, this routine is tailored for progress.
The 15 Best Beginner Pull Day Exercises to Power Lift
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 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, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs2. 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, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs3. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs4. 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, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs5. 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, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs6. 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, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs7. 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, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs8. 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, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs9. Incline EZ-Bar Curl
Incline EZ-Bar Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED455,321Biceps Strength88 mScoreBiceps
EZ Bar
Incline BenchThe Incline EZ-Bar Curl is a bicep exercise that uses an EZ-Bar for better grip and stability. Leaning on an incline bench helps maintain tension in your biceps throughout the movement.
How to do it
- Set the incline bench to your preferred angle and lie face down with your chest aligned with the padding.
- Grab the EZ-Bar with both hands, palms up, ensuring the bar is positioned between you and the bench.
- Slowly lower the bar until your arms are straight, beneath your shoulders.
- Curl the bar upwards by contracting your biceps, keeping your elbows steady under your shoulders.
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement to fully engage your biceps.
- Keep your posture straight and feet planted on the floor for stability.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs10. Cross Body Hammer Curls
Cross Body Hammer Curls demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,172,804Biceps Strength91 mScoreBiceps
DumbbellsCross 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
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding a dumbbell in each hand.
- Position the dumbbells in front of you with palms facing your body and elbows slightly bent.
- Raise one dumbbell in an arc to the opposite shoulder, keeping your elbow locked.
- Hold for a moment at the top, then lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps15lbs28reps15lbs38reps15lbs11. Australian Chin Up
Australian Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED517,270Back Strength55 mScoreBack
Barbells
Squat RackThe 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
- Lie underneath a low bar and grab it with an underhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your legs and body straight, starting with your arms fully extended.
- Pull your chest towards the bar while keeping your elbows close, engaging your core to maintain a straight line.
- Lower yourself back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight16reps26reps36reps12. Dumbbell Bent Over Row
Dumbbell Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED4,165,923Back Strength97 mScoreBack
DumbbellsThe 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
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells beside your hips.
- Bend your knees slightly and push your hips back, leaning your torso forward at a 45-degree angle.
- Keep your arms extended with dumbbells under your shoulders.
- Pull the dumbbells toward your sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs13. Reverse Grip Barbell Bent Over Row
Reverse Grip Barbell Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED886,098Back Strength79 mScoreBack
BarbellsThe Reverse Grip Barbell Bent Over Row is a great exercise for beginners that works your back, biceps, and shoulders. By using a reverse grip, you can better target your biceps and engage different back muscles. Holding a barbell offers stability, allowing you to focus on lifting properly.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the barbell with an underhand grip (palms facing you).
- Bend your hips back, keeping your knees slightly bent, until the barbell rests just in front of your shins at a 45-degree angle with your torso.
- Pull the barbell towards your belly button by bending your elbows, keeping your back straight.
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs14. Incline Dumbbell Row
Incline Dumbbell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,106,898Back Strength93 mScoreBack
Incline Bench
DumbbellsThe Incline Dumbbell Row is a great exercise for building back strength. It uses an incline bench to help support your upper body, allowing you to focus on lifting weights without using other muscles for support.
How to do it
- Set the bench to a 45-degree angle.
- Lie face down on the bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand with your arms extended and palms facing in.
- Bend your elbows and pull the dumbbells up toward your lower rib cage.
- Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs15. EZ Bar PJR Pull Over
EZ Bar PJR Pull Over demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED29,847Back Strength68 mScoreBack
EZ Bar
Flat BenchThe EZ Bar PJR Pull Over is an exercise that works your lats, triceps, and chest. Using an EZ-Bar makes the grip more comfortable and helps stretch the muscles effectively, which is great for building upper body strength.
How to do it
- Lie flat on a bench, keeping your shoulder blades on it.
- Hold the EZ-Bar above your chest with arms straight.
- Bend your elbows to 90 degrees, keeping your triceps tight.
- Lower the EZ-Bar behind your head with control.
- Pull the EZ-Bar back over your chest using your back muscles.
- Extend your arms to return to the starting position.
Alternative Workouts
Alternative Beginner Pull Day Workouts
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Trx
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Build Strength
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Get Lean And Burn Fat
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Olympic Lift
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Ez Bar
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts For Men
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Garage Gym
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts To Build Muscle Mass
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Barbells
- Best Beginner Pull Day Workouts With Cable Machines
- 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
Alternative Beginner Workouts to Power Lift
- Best Beginner Chest And Back Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Push Day Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Workouts With Dumbbells To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Quadriceps Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Workouts To Power Lift For Women
- Best Beginner Workouts With Barbells To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Workouts With Garage Gym To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Chest Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Workouts To Power Lift For Men
- Best Beginner Hamstrings Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Chest And Tricep Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Legs Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Full Body Workouts To Power Lift
- Best Beginner Upper Body Workouts To Power Lift



