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Pull General Fitness Workout - 45min Intermediate

This intermediate Pull session focuses on building a powerful back and well-defined biceps through a mix of heavy barbell compounds and high-volume handle work. You will leverage Tonal's unique digital resistance modes to maximize time under tension and ensure every rep counts. It is designed for those seeking a balanced blend of functional strength and aesthetic development.

Ideal for intermediate lifters or athletes like rowers and climbers who want to improve their pulling power and upper body stability. It is a perfect fit for anyone who has mastered the basics and wants to utilize Tonal's advanced features for hypertrophy.

45mDuration
8Exercises
22Total Sets
Back, BicepsMuscles

Equipment

StraightBarHandles

Workout Plan

Rest 90 seconds after the heavy barbell rows, 60 seconds between standard handle sets, and 45 seconds for bicep isolation and finishers.

StraightBar
Barbell Bent Over Row

Barbell Bent Over Row

Back, Biceps, Abs

Use the Tonal Barbell and engage Chains mode to increase resistance as you pull to your waist.

4 x 8
Handles
Superset
Seated Row

Seated Row

Back, Biceps, Abs

Sit tall on your bench and focus on the stretch in your lats before pulling the handles back.

3 x 10
Single Arm Bent Over Row

Single Arm Bent Over Row

Back, Biceps, Abs

Brace your non-working hand on the bench and pull the handle toward your hip to avoid shrugging.

3 x 12
Handles
Superset
Biceps Curl

Biceps Curl

Biceps, Forearms

Keep your elbows pinned to your ribs and use Tonal's Eccentric mode to slow down the lowering phase.

3 x 12
Reverse Fly

Reverse Fly

Back, Shoulders

Maintain a soft bend in the elbows and focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the peak.

2 x 15
Handles
Superset

Reverse Grip Biceps Curl

Biceps, Forearms

Turn your palms toward each other to target the brachialis and forearms using the handles.

2 x 12
Neutral Lat Pulldown

Neutral Lat Pulldown

Back, Biceps, Abs

Maintain a proud chest and pull the handles down vertically while driving your elbows toward your hips.

3 x 10
Handles

Straight Arm Pulldown

Back, Shoulders

Keep your arms locked out and sweep the handles in a wide arc down to your thighs for a final lat burn.

2 x 15

Why this order

The workout begins with the Barbell Bent Over Row to capitalize on fresh energy for the heaviest compound lift. We then transition to handle-based exercises to maintain constant tension and allow for a more natural range of motion during pulldowns and rows. The session concludes with isolation movements and high-rep finishers to fully fatigue the biceps and rear delts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What weight should I select for the Barbell Row?

Tonal will suggest a weight based on your digital strength profile; however, ensure you can maintain a flat back throughout all 8 reps before increasing the load manually.

Can I use the bar for the Biceps Curls instead of handles?

Yes, you can substitute the Biceps Curl for the Barbell Biceps Curl if you prefer a fixed hand position, but handles allow for a better peak contraction and less wrist strain.

When should I turn on the dynamic weight modes?

Eccentric mode is highly effective on bicep curls to build muscle, while Chains mode on the Barbell Row helps you power through the top of the movement.

Is it okay if I don't have a bench for the seated rows?

If you don't have a bench, you can perform these movements in a tall kneeling or half-kneeling position on the floor, which will also increase core engagement.