Do I need bentover rows?

[killerdude494949]

In my efforts to build a big back, do I really need bent over rows? I'm already doing deadlifts, clean and presses, and pull ups.

[eLvarouza]

Well, no.

[holvoetn]

Need ? No.
Do they help ? Yes.

[billspaced]

The beauty of training is that there is always more than one way to accomplish a given goal. Like the previous folks said, "no...but...it helps" I've read in other posts that people like the inverted row, and I used to do that years ago, and it works just like the bent row but with zero stress on the lower back (a good thing for some, not so good for others).

I personally like pull downs, where you can simulate chin ups and bent rows all in the same set (if you wish), simply by varying the angle of your upper body.

One-Arm Dumbbell rows are a good substitute, too. You can get a better stretch and contraction doing your rows with the DBs.

[killerdude494949]

I always understood that both rows and deadlifts add thickness to the back. Well deadlifts arguably do a better job because you use more weight on them, so I figured I should focus on deadlifting. I'm kinda anal about using too many exercises for the same goal. If one exercise gets the job done, I don't want to use more, ya know? I prefer cleans to rows cleans do things that deads dont. Whatever rows do, I believe deads can do better.

[atypical1]

Whatever rows do, I believe deads can do better.

Not really true. Deads are much more of an "all body" exercise than rows. Rows target the upper back better than deads do. Deads tend to target the lower back much more than bent over rows. I like both exercises and incorporate them in my current workout.

james

[killerdude494949]

Rows DO target the lats more, but thats why I have pull ups. Rows and deads both thicken the back and widen to a lesser degree (vice versa for pullups). thats why I prefer to focus on deads because of the more weight allowed.

[atypical1]

Do both then. It's kinda trial and error isn't it? I get more growth out of rows than I do with pull-ups (weighted pull ups) but everyone is different. Do you need them? No.

james

[bigwhat62]

with deads, cleans and pullups you should be fine. just keep lifting and eating plenty.

[David]

A lot can differ from person to person. Bent-over-rows target the lats, rhomboids, traps, anterior deltoid and to a degree the biceps and brach (depending on the type of grip used). It is a great movement that will yield excellent results, all things being equal of course. Just remember to avoid rounding the lower back. As with the standard SL methodology, start light and work your way up with small incremental progressions.

At some point you'll have to make the choice of heavy/low reps or moderate/higher reps. Both schemes have value depending upon your personal goal.

[TitanUnleashed]

Theres this ongoing controversy about "shocking" keeping your muscles "guessing" to induce growth. Do i believe in this 2 methods? Hell yea! Try it out to believe it yourself. So what i'm saying here, do not limit your exercises to a particular set of workout or routine. Constantly change it around. So to answer your question, yes you need bent over rows and i agree with atypical1 that bent over rows targets your upper back more, giving you more thickness.

You argue that you can get more poundages in on your deadlifts comapred to rows. But, do not forget that in deadlifts you're legs are helping you thorugh almost half of the motion. With deadlifts, its all about your arms and your back mate.

Train hard, eat right and grow fast. Peace~

[holvoetn]

Theres this ongoing controversy about "shocking" keeping your muscles "guessing" to induce growth. Do i believe in this 2 methods? Hell yea! Try it out to believe it yourself. So what i'm saying here, do not limit your exercises to a particular set of workout or routine. Constantly change it around.

That's a definite no-no.

[David]

Are you certain it is a 'definite' no-no?

Shocking the muscle with different exercises, angles, set/reps etc has yielded tremendous real world results for many people. Whether you call it 'shocking' the muscle, muscle confusion or whatever, the principle is a sound one. The principle has been around for years in the BB community and in the last several years popped up in other places like the P90X program (as an example).

I continually change up and am getting positive results.

Just my two cents, YMMV.

[TitanUnleashed]

'H' you've tried the method and it dosen't work for you? Alright, our body all reacts differently to different types of muscle stimulation. Perhaps you've found your own training routine that gives you the best gains.
Well, I'll say to each his own. Peace~

[holvoetn]

I am quite sure, yes.
Your CNS needs some time to adjust to the exercises. Adding weight is simply adding stress, it is not a new exercises.
If you change all the time the exercises, your CNS can not follow.

Not sure anymore where I read it (saw it on multiple places) but it was also somewhere over here (can't find it right now).