Exercise guide
Bent-Arm Barbell Pullover
The Bent-Arm Barbell Pullover moves a bar from above the chest toward an overhead position while you lie on a bench. The lats are listed as the primary muscles, while the chest, shoulders, and triceps also assist. The elbows remain bent but mostly fixed as the bar follows its arc.
Training context
Who may find the Barbell Pullover useful?
The pullover may fit lifters who want an accessory movement involving both the lats and chest. It can be placed after pressing or pulling work, depending on the emphasis of the session.
Shoulder mobility determines the useful range. The bar does not need to travel as low as possible behind the head, especially when the ribs or lower back begin to move.
Technique overview
Keep the elbow angle consistent
Lie securely on the bench and hold the bar above your chest with the elbows bent. Lower it behind your head through a comfortable arc without allowing the elbows to keep bending. Reverse the same path to return. Keep the ribs controlled and avoid using a large lower-back arch to create extra range.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.