Why the Barbell Row is an Important Exercise

Thanks to the increasing availability of all different types of exercise equipment, it's not difficult to find a fitness center with enough equipment to allow the performance of thousands of exercises. But since most people don't have time to perform every exercise in the book, it's best to concentrate on only those that will be beneficial. Among those falling into that broad category include the barbell row, which can be important for athletes and casual exercise enthusiasts alike. Ask your doctor before starting any new workout program.

  1. Hormonal Benefits

    • The barbell row is important if you're looking to pack mass on your physique because it can encourage the production of muscle-building hormones. The barbell row is a compound exercise, meaning that it works multiple muscle groups. Compound exercises encourage the production of growth hormone, which is powerful in muscle building. Additionally, the stress of compound exercises promotes higher levels of testosterone, another hormone involved in building muscle.

    Weight-Loss Benefits

    • The barbell row can also be an important exercise if you're looking to shed pounds rather than pack on mass. Because compound exercises such as the barbell row require many muscle groups to work, they burn more calories than exercises that just use one or two muscles. Additionally, growth hormone is a lipolytic, or fat-burning hormone, so the barbell row can help you slim down as well.

    Back Muscles

    • Among the primary muscles worked by the barbell row are the back muscles. This important exercise can help to develop muscles such as your latissimus dorsi, erector spinae and trapezius. Your back muscles work with your arms to produce strength when you're pulling something or performing a rowing motion. Strong back muscles are also important for avoiding back injuries.

    Arm Muscles

    • The importance of the barbell row is also demonstrated by its role in building arm muscle. If you want to develop your biceps -- the upper arm muscles responsible for bending your arm at the elbow -- as well as your forearm muscles, the barbell row is an exercise that will help you build up both.

    Shoulder Muscles

    • Athletes and weekend warriors will also find the barbell row important for developing shoulder strength. This exercise builds the infraspinatus, deltoids and teres major, all of which help move your arm from the shoulder joint. Your shoulder muscles are involved in throwing and pulling motions as well as lifting and lowering your arms. In other words, it's tough to imagine an arm movement that doesn't benefit from the barbell row.

    Abdominal Muscles

    • If you want to sculpt a six pack or just want strong abdominal muscles to assist your athletic endeavors and promote proper posture, the barbell row can be important. This exercise helps to strengthen your abdominal and oblique muscles, as you'll need to flex them throughout the exercise to prevent unnecessary movement and instability.