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In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 of the best back exercises for men — designed to help you build that classic V-shaped physique, improve posture, and finally say goodbye to nagging back pain.

Ready for a transformation? Let's go!

The 7 best back exercises for men

1. Deadlift

2. Pull-ups

3. Barbell row

4. Dumbbell bent-over row

5. Lat pulldown

6. Seated row

7. Dumbbell pullover

Why back training matters more than you think

1. Your back is the foundation for everything: lifting, running, posture, and injury prevention. Weak back muscles are linked to everything from poor posture to tension headaches and even sluggish digestion. Want to build strength and longevity? Start with your back.

2. Back strength is linked to overall well-being. The condition of your back can tell a lot about your overall well-being. Weak back muscles are often associated with digestive problems, headaches, and even decreased immunity. By training your back, you contribute to your longevity.

3. Unlock your body’s strength foundation. It plays a major role in everything from lifting and posture to balance and everyday movement. A strong back supports your entire body — which is why trainers often say: "Strong back, strong body." Start building yours today.

4. The V-taper is built, not born. Do you dream of a V-shaped torso, like the athletes on the covers of magazines? This is not fantasy, but the result of persistent training aimed at developing the broadest muscles of the back. These muscles create that very attractive silhouette, which is considered the standard of male beauty and strength.

Scientific backing: Why these exercises work

A sedentary lifestyle is the main cause of back pain. Many studies talk about the importance of physical activity for spinal health:

1. Physical exercise is an important part of complex therapy. Exercise plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of back pain, promoting rapid recovery.

2. Movement-based therapy is an effective method of combating pain. This method helps strengthen weak muscles, relax stiff areas, relieve pain, and support proper posture and alignment.

3. Combine isometric and compound movements for best results. The combination of static and dynamic exercises helps to strengthen the core muscles, improve blood circulation, increase endurance and flexibility.

Scientific data clearly confirms: regular exercise is the key to a healthy spine and, as a result, overall well-being.

If you are just starting your journey to a strong back, we recommend starting with exercises without equipment.

Contraindications: when to be careful

Back training is great, but if you’ve had back or spinal injuries, high blood pressure, or heart issues, talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.

*The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Warm-up before training: preparing muscles for the load

Start every session with 5–10 minutes of light cardio (like brisk walking or cycling), followed by dynamic stretches to prep your joints and muscles. 

Tip: Static stretching before lifting can reduce performance. Stick to dynamic warm-ups before, and save the static holds for after your workout.

man in the gym
Proper technique is more important than heavy  weight! Remember this when doing deadlifts, and your back will thank you. Source: freepik

Deadlift: the king of exercises

Muscles worked: glutes, hamstrings, lower back, lats, traps.

How to do it:

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, barbell over midfoot.

2. Grab the bar just outside your knees.

3. Keep your chest up, back flat, core tight.

4. Drive through your heels to lift the bar.

5. Stand tall, then lower with control.

Number of sets and reps: 3ー4 sets of 6ー8 reps.

Tip: Master your form before adding heavy weight.

man in the gym
Leg raises + pull-ups = an explosive mix for your strength and endurance! Source: freepik

Pull-ups: big impact with a simple move

Muscles worked: lats, traps, biceps, and rear delts.

How to do it:

1. Grab the bar with a grip wider than your shoulders, palms facing away from you (pronated grip).

2. Hang on the bar with your arms fully straightened.

3. Exhale and pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar.

4. Inhale and slowly lower yourself down.

Number of sets and reps: 3ー4 sets of as many reps as possible.

If you want something more challenging, try pull-ups with leg raises. Pull-ups with leg raises are a two-in-one exercise that engages not only the back muscles, but also the abs. They’re a great progression if you're already comfortable with standard pull-ups and want to level up.

Tip: Can't do a pull-up yet? Try band-assisted pull-ups or use a pull-up machine.

man in the gym
Control, technique, concentration 一 these are the components of success in barbell deadlifts. Source: Freepik

Barbell row: Your go-to for width and definition

Muscles worked: lats, traps, biceps, and rear delts.

How to do it:

1. Stand in front of the barbell, feet shoulder-width apart.

2. Lean forward, keeping your back straight, angle of inclination is 45 degrees.

3. Grab the barbell with a grip wider than shoulders, palms facing up (straight grip).

4. Exhale, pull the barbell to your stomach, bringing your shoulder blades together.

5. Inhale, slowly lower the barbell down.

Number of sets and reps: 3ー4 sets of 8ー12 reps.

man in the gym
Each set is a step towards the goal. Don't stop there! Source: Freepik

Dumbbell bent-over row: focus on each side

Muscles worked: lats, traps, biceps, and rear delts.

How to do it:

1. Take a dumbbell in your right hand.

2. Place your left knee and left hand on the bench.

3. Exhale, pull the dumbbell up, trying to raise your elbow as high as possible.

4. Inhale, slowly lower the dumbbell down.

5. Repeat the same with the other arm.

Number of sets and reps: 3ー4 sets of 8ー12 reps for each arm.

man in the gym
Back straight, shoulder blades pulled together — and the result will not take long to come. Source: Freepik

Lat pulldown: work the upper back

Muscles worked: lats, traps, biceps, and rear delts.

How to do it:

1. Sit on the lat pull machine, rest your feet on the platform.

2. Grab the handle with a wide grip, palms facing away from you (pronated grip).

3. Exhale, pull the handle to your chest, bringing your shoulder blades together.

4. Inhale, slowly return the handle to the starting position.

Number of sets and reps: 3ー4 sets of 10ー15 reps.

man in the gym
Proper technique is your best friend on the way to a strong and healthy back. Source: Freepik

Seated row: strengthening the “foundation”

Muscles worked: lats, traps, biceps.

How to do it:

1. Sit on the lat pull machine, rest your feet on the platform.

2. Grab the handle with a narrow grip, palms facing each other (neutral grip).

3. Exhale, lean back slightly, pull the handle to your waist.

4. Inhale, slowly return the handle to the starting position.

Number of sets and reps: 3ー4 sets of 10ー15 reps.

Dumbbell pullover: stretching and strengthening

Muscles worked: lats, chest, and triceps.

How to do it:

1. Lie on a bench on your back, holding a dumbbell with both hands.

2. Inhale, lower the dumbbell behind your head, bending your elbows.

3. Exhale, lift the dumbbell back, tensing your back muscles.

Number of sets and reps: 3 sets of 12ー15 reps.

Post-workout stretching: relaxing muscles of steel

After your workout, take the time to cool down: 5ー10 minutes of light cardio (like walking) and static stretching will help your muscles recover faster, prevent soreness, and improve your flexibility.

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Avoid these common mistakes

  • Rounding your back — Keep a neutral spine.

  • Jerking the weight — Controlled movement is safer and more effective

  • Overtraining — Rest is part of progress

  • Holding your breath — Exhale on exertion

Regularly performing the exercises presented is an investment in the health of your back. The correct technique, gradual increase in load and a comprehensive approach will help strengthen muscles, improve posture and prevent problems with the spine.

Want guided workouts tailored to your back goals?
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Now you know how to pump up the back of your dreams, but this is only the beginning of the journey! Looking for more ways to grow?

StarFit is your reliable guide in the world of fitness and healthy lifestyle.

  • More than 1000 exercises for all muscle groups with detailed video instructions.

  • Workout plans tailored to your goals and fitness level.

  • Useful information about health, fitness and proper nutrition.

  • Motivating support from like-minded people and curators.

Don't put off taking care of your back health for later. By paying attention to strengthening your back muscles today, you are taking an important step towards active longevity and a high quality of life in the future.

Start your journey to the perfect body with StarFit!

 Sources

Benefits and harms of exercise therapy and physical activity for low back pain: An umbrella review