I keep hitting the bar on my knees when performing bent barbell rows. Does this happen to anyone else here and how do i work around this. I would imagine that i just need to lean more forward closer to parellel but that makes my lower back feel like it is going to blow out…How much bend should be in my knees?
thanks
If your lower back feels like it is going to “blow out”, then you need to reduce your weight and focus on form. You can easily do lower back damage with bent over rows.
As far as hitting your knees, I believe the bar is too close to your body starting off. I set up very similar to doing a deadlift. Arms hang straight down, butt back, chest up and look straight. A slight hitch to get it going is acceptable.
If you set up similar to deadlifts with the bar against your shins, then I can see why you’re hitting your knees.
How much bend in your knees depends on your arm length. Your arms need to be straight, not flexed.
Make sure you keep a strong arch in your lower back. Some movement in the upper back is acceptable but try to keep the lower back steady. You can bend your knees sufficient to deload the bar on the ground between reps while keeping your back arched.
Stu
Thanks guys. I actually linked to that Stronglifts site right after posting here and it cleared alot up.