There's a small yet very important back muscle that can be overlooked when training upper body. The rhomboid muscles play a crucial role in physique, performance, and posture.
Strengthening this muscle will create better overall balance in your back, and while it isn't a muscle that's going to get huge, training it will have a profound effect on your overall back size.
Not to mention the positive effects to your posture and overall structural health of your upper body!
Build a stronger, more robust back with these 25 best rhomboid exercises.
Table of Contents
- 25 Best Exercises For Rhomboid Muscles
- 1. Barbell Bent Over Rows
- 2. Landmine Rows
- 3. Chest Supported Dumbbell Rows
- 4. Face Pull With Rope
- 5. Rear Delt Flys
- 6. Side Lying Reverse Dumbbell Fly
- 7. Wide Grip Seated Row
- 8. Standing Cable Row
- 9. High Angle One Arm Cable Row
- 10. Standing Rear Delt Rows With Rope
- 11. Lat Pulldown
- 12. Cable Pulldown
- 13. Inverted Rows
- 14. Pull Ups
- 15. Scapular Wall Slides
- 16. Scapular Push Ups
- 17. Shoulder Blade Squeeze
- 18. Prone Y Raise
- 19. Prone Lateral Raise
- 20. Prone IYT Raises
- 21. Darts
- 22. Banded Y Raise
- 23. Suspension-Trainer Reverse “Y” Fly
- 24. Banded Diagonals & Pull Aparts
- 25. Kettlebell High Pull
- Where Are Your Rhomboid Muscles?
- Benefits Of Rhomboid Strengthening Exercises
- How To Target Your Rhomboids (Some Tips When Exercising)
- Frequently Asked Rhomboid Exercises Questions
- Conclusion
25 Best Exercises For Rhomboid Muscles
The rhomboids are important for both performance and upper body structural health and need to be strengthened and mobilized regularly.
Weak rhomboids can limit shoulder range of motion, create stiffness through the neck and upper back, and create both shoulder pain and rhomboid pain.
Not only will weak and tight rhomboids create negative effects in the gym, they can affect your daily life.
1. Barbell Bent Over Rows
The barbell bent over row is one of the most effective exercises for building complete back strength and activation of the upper and lower back muscles.
Related Article - Bent Over Barbell Vs Dumbbell Rows
How to do it:
- 1Load a barbell and hold it in a pronated (overhand) grip roughly shoulder-width or slightly wider.
- 2Bend your knees and keep your back flat and bring the weight to standing; this is the starting position.
- 3From here, hinge forward at the hips and lower the weight slightly, allowing it to come away from your body.
- 4Keeping your core engaged, pull the elbows back and row the bar to your chest, squeezing the shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
- 5Lower with control back to the start position and repeat for 6-8 reps, 3-5 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: The barbell bent over row can also be performed with an underhand (or supinated grip). Choosing this grip rather than overhand will recruit more biceps.

2. Landmine Rows
The landmine row (also called the T-Bar row) builds some serious upper back strength.
It's a great way to go heavier without compromising your lower back as much as a bent-over row. This is one of the best row variations for optimal muscle growth.
How to do it:
- 1Put the barbell into the landmine attachment or into the corner of a room if you don't have the attachment, and load weight onto the end.
- 2Standing with your feet on either side, use a triangle handle and place it under the bar.
- 3Bending your knees slightly, keep your back straight, and stand upright.
- 4Hinge the hips back and lower the weight.
- 5Row the bar up to your chest and squeeze the shoulder blades together at the top of the row, keeping your elbows in tight.
- 6Lower with control and repeat for 5-12 reps and 3-5 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: If you don't have a triangle handle attachment, you can use your hands to grip around the bar, but your grip is likely to fatigue quicker this way.
The landmine row can also be performed as a unilateral exercise by standing on one side and is used to work imbalances.

3. Chest Supported Dumbbell Rows
Pulling exercises that are supported allow you to be more strict with the movement, as the added stability serves as a reminder that the back muscles need to drive the motion rather than allowing momentum to swing up the weight.
Related Article - Push Pull Legs 5-Day Dumbbell Split
How to do it:
- 1Set the bench at a 45-degree angle.
- 2Taking two dumbbells of the same weight, position your body, so your torso and chest are supported by the bench.
- 3The arms hang on either side of the bench; from here, row the dumbbells up and pull the elbows back and close to your body.
- 4Lower the weights until the arms are straight and repeat. Aim for 8-12 reps for 3 sets.

4. Face Pull With Rope
Face pulls are one of my favorite rhomboid exercises and overall upper back strengthening exercise.
Face pulls will strengthen the rhomboids, train scapular retraction and downward scapular rotation, and improve posture.
This exercise is done on the cable machine, and you only need light weight to have a big effect.
If you don't have a cable machine at home, read our guide to the best face pull alternative exercises.
How to do it:
- 1Set the cable pulley to head height and attach the rope.
- 2Hold the rope with two hands using a palms-down grip and step away from the cable machine to bring tension. Your body should be square and knees slightly bent with arms extended.
- 3Initiate the movement by contracting upper back muscles and pull the elbows out high and wide, squeezing the shoulder blades at the end of the movement.
- 4Return to the start position and repeat for 8-12 reps, 3-4 sets. I like to do this exercise at the end of a session after any heavy work.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: You can also perform face pulls using a resistance band if you do not have access to the cable machine.

5. Rear Delt Flys
Rear delt flys will not only target the shoulder muscles, but they will also get the rhomboids fired up and working hard.
Also Check Out - Rear Delt Dumbbell Exercises
How to do it:
- 1Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent.
- 2Holding a light dumbbell in each hand, hinge forward at the hips until your torso is almost touching your thighs.
- 3The starting position is your arms hanging at either side.
- 4Do a reverse fly by raising your arms out to the sides to create a T shape.
- 5Lower the weight to the starting position with control and complete 10-12 reps for 3 sets.

6. Side Lying Reverse Dumbbell Fly
This dumbbell exercise is used to grow the rear deltoid, but it will also work the rhomboid minor and lower rhomboid.
How to do it:
- 1Lying on the floor on one side, prop yourself onto one elbow and hold a light dumbbell in the other hand.
- 2Hold the dumbbell in an overhand grip and keep your elbow slightly bent.
- 3Holding this position with your body, with control, raise your arm upwards until the dumbbell is in a vertical position.
- 4Slowly reverse the movement and take the dumbbell back to the start position without it touching the floor for optimal muscle tension.
- 5Complete for 8-12 reps on each side for 3 sets.

7. Wide Grip Seated Row
Seated cable rows are a really safe exercise to build upper back strength and improve poor posture due to the supported position your body is in to complete the rowing movement.
If you don't have a seated row or low pulley at home, head on over to our article on the seated row substitute exercises.
How to do it:
- 1Attach the long straight handle to the seated row cable machine.
- 2Sitting on the bench, hold onto the handle with a shoulder width or slightly wider grip with palms facing down.
- 3Row the handle towards your torso and squeeze shoulder blades together, ensuring your back is straight.
- 4Return the handle with control to the starting position and complete 8-15 reps for 3-4 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: Feel the shoulder blades stretching by allowing the shoulder joint to move forwards at the end of the row when the arms are fully extended.

8. Standing Cable Row
The standing cable row is a great choice for building a well-defined back with the added benefit of working your shoulders, arms, and core.
Read Also - Cable Back Exercises
How to do it:
- 1Set the cable pulleys at just above waist height with the handles attached.
- 2Holding the handles with arms straight, step back with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- 3Row the elbows close to the body keeping your shoulders away from your ears and pulling the shoulder blades together.
- 4Return the handles back to the start position with control and repeat for 8-10 reps, 3-4 sets.

9. High Angle One Arm Cable Row
This rhomboid exercise puts constant tension on the rhomboids due to the high angle creating a diagonal pull.
It’s optimal for creating downward scapular rotation, getting the most out of effectively working the rhomboids.
How to do it:
- 1Attach the handle to the cable machine and set the pulley above head height to create a downward pull.
- 2With an extended arm, step back to create tension and assume a split stance with the opposite leg forward and the knees soft.
- 3With your palm facing in, initiate the pull by engaging the back muscles and row the handle to your waist, rotating your torso slightly to open the shoulder.
- 4Return the handle to the start position and extend the arm and allow the shoulder to move forward to feel a stretch.
- 5Repeat for 8-12 reps per side. Aim for 3-4 sets
Garage Gym Pro Tip: This exercise could also be done with a resistance band if you don’t have access to the cable machine.

10. Standing Rear Delt Rows With Rope
The setup for standing rear delt rows is very similar to the standing cable row, but the cable pulley is set higher in order to target the rear delts.
However, this exercise is still going to effectively strengthen the rhomboids.
Also Check Out - Cable Exercises For Delts
How to do it:
- 1Attach the rope to the cable pulley and set it to shoulder height.
- 2Holding the rope with palms facing down, step back, and stand tall with a soft bend in the knees.
- 3Initiate the pull with the elbows and keep them high.
- 4Squeeze the shoulder blades together and hold for a moment, then return to the start position
- 5Repeat for 8-12 reps, 3-4 sets

11. Lat Pulldown
The lat pulldown is obviously a key exercise in growing your lats, but this is also a great overall back exercise and will target the rhomboids too.
Related Article - Lat Pulldown Benefits Explained
How to do it:
- 1Sitting at the lat pulldown, adjust the height of the thigh pads to hold you in place and choose desired weight.
- 2Using the long straight handle, position your hands out wide and pull the bar down and sit on the bench.
- 3Lean back and pull the handle down to the top of the chest, squeezing the shoulder blades together.
- 4Slowly return the weight back to the start until the arms are straight and repeat.
- 5Perform 8-12 reps for 3-5 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: You can make this exercise more challenging by adding a tempo, pauses, or completing it as a 1 ¼ rep.

12. Cable Pulldown
Similar to the Lat Pulldown, the cable straight arm pulldown will primarily target the lats, but it's also going to effectively target the rhomboids.
How to do it:
- 1Set the cable pulley to the highest height and attach the small straight handle.
- 2Holding with both hands at shoulder width, straighten the arms and step back from the machine. Hinge slightly forwards at the hips and keep your back straight.
- 3Keeping your core engaged, engage through the back muscles and pull the handle down to your waist, keeping elbows straight throughout the whole movement.
- 4Slowly release the handle back to the start position.
- 5Repeat for 8-12 reps, 3-4 sets, keeping the weight light to keep the movement strict.

13. Inverted Rows
Inverted rows are a great exercise to build strength for a pull-up. This pull movement will build strength and size to your back without being as demanding as the pull-up.
Even if you can do pull-ups, it's a great exercise to include to get lots of volume in.
This exercise is an easier alternative to bent over barbell rows since you do not need to master the hip hinge movement, which can be challenging for some.
How to do it:
- 1Position a barbell on the rack at waist height or below. The lower the bar, the harder it will be.
- 2Lie flat underneath the bar, facing upwards, and grab the bar just outside of shoulder width with an overhand grip.
- 3Keeping your core tight, bend the elbows back and pull your chest up to the bar, squeezing the shoulder blades at the top.
- 4Lower with control until the arms are straight and repeat for 6-8 reps and 3-4 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: To make this exercise easier, you can have your knees bent and closer to your body, so the bodyweight demand isn't as high.
You can also set the bar higher if you struggle with this exercise. Do this 2-3 times per week if you're trying to get a pull-up.

14. Pull Ups
The pull-up is the king of upper body exercises. It will target every muscle in your back, including those rhomboids.
How to do it:
- 1Place your hands on the pull-up bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder width.
- 2Start with your arms extended, lean back to engage your lats, and bend your elbows until your chest reaches the bar.
- 3Lower with control until the arms are straight and repeat for 5-10 reps, 3-5 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: If you can't yet do a full pull-up, focus on eccentric reps to build up your strength.

15. Scapular Wall Slides
Also known as wall angles, this exercise is surprisingly demanding and will expose how tight the muscles in your upper back and chest really are.
If you cannot get your arms fully extended above your head, then you know you're tight. Do this exercise daily to stretch the muscles and improve posture.
How to do it:
- 1Standing against a wall, your back should be flush against it with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly away, knees slightly bent.
- 2Raise your arms to the sides at a 90-degree angle.
- 3Move only your arms overhead while keeping the elbows and back of the hands in contact with the wall, extending as far as your can.
- 4Lower to the start position and repeat for 10 reps.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: If this standing position is too difficult, start from the floor, and as mobility improves, you can move to the wall.

16. Scapular Push Ups
Getting the shoulder blades moving properly is fundamental to shoulder and upper back structural health. The shoulder blades get stuck in one position for most of the day.
This rhomboid exercise is excellent for getting those shoulder blades moving through retraction and protraction.
How to do it:
- 1The starting position is either on the floor or with your hands on the edge of a raised surface to make it easier (you could also do this on the floor on your knees to make it easier).
- 2Get into the push-up position and keep your torso tight and body in a straight line.
- 3Keeping your arms straight, pull your shoulder blades together and squeeze in this position. This is retraction of the shoulder blades, or scapular retraction.
- 4Move into protraction by pushing your shoulder blades away from one another and push hard against the floor. Keep the shoulders away from the ears to try and limit trap involvement.
- 5Move through protraction and retraction for 10 reps and repeat for 2-3 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: This exercise is all about scapular control. Make sure you don't let the elbows bend and keep your body in position.
Also, make sure you don't push your head forward and strain your neck.

17. Shoulder Blade Squeeze
This basic but effective rhomboid workout doesn't require any weight and can be done as a warm-up or daily to mobilize the upper back.
How to do it:
- 1From a standing or seated position, keep your back straight and head neutral.
- 2Initiate the movement by pulling the shoulder blades together as far as you can and hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
- 3Relax to a neutral position and repeat this 10 times.

18. Prone Y Raise
The key to a healthy back is doing exercises such as the prone Y raise. It will strengthen all the upper back muscles and will improve shoulder range of motion.
It can easily be done at home. Try doing this exercise regularly to strengthen and unlock a stiff back.
How to do it:
- 1Lying face down on the ground, tuck your chin and pelvis to create a neutral position.
- 2Extend your arms straight in front of you at a 45-degree angle, creating a Y shape with your body.
- 3Holding this position raise your arms upwards as far as they will go without compromising your position.
- 4Pause at the top, then slowly lower to start position. Repeat for 10-15 reps, 2-3 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: You can progress to a light dumbbell in each hand as the muscles get stronger.

19. Prone Lateral Raise
This bodyweight exercise is really effective in isolating the rhomboid and working the thoracic spine to promote good structural movement in an area that can get really tight.
How to do it:
- 1Lying face down on the floor with (or without) a light weight in each hand.
- 2Keep your arms straight to the sides and keep your forehead on the floor.
- 3Raise your arms upwards as far as possible without excessive lumbar extension.
- 4Lower to the floor and repeat for 10 reps.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: Lying on the floor will prevent momentum meaning your rhomboids will work the most effectively. This exercise can be done daily to unlock a stiff upper back.

20. Prone IYT Raises
Effective rhomboid exercises don't always need to be done using weights. This exercise will assist in the stabilization of the small muscles surrounding the shoulder while strengthening the rhomboids.
How to do it:
- 1Start lying on the floor with your arms and legs extended.
- 2Brace your abs and hold this position while you raise your arms off the floor, creating the I shape with palms facing inwards.
- 3Keep your head in line with your thoracic spine, focusing on lifting through the chest and not your lower back; hold this for 5 seconds and return to the start position.
- 4Holding the same body position, raise the arms into a Y position and hold for 5 seconds.
- 5Lifting the arms, extend them out to the sides in a T shape and hold for 5 seconds.

21. Darts
This is another simple rhomboid exercise that can be done at home that requires no equipment.
How to do it:
- 1Lying face down on the floor with your arms by your side and palms facing down.
- 2Roll your shoulders back and lift your arms as your chest comes off the ground.
- 3Hold for a couple of seconds, then return to the start position and repeat for 10 reps.
- 4Keep your core braced and breathe normally throughout the exercise.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: To protect your lower neck from any strain, keep your chin tucked throughout the movement.

22. Banded Y Raise
This rhomboid band exercise is best suited as a warm-up or for rehab work for the upper back or shoulders.
How to do it:
- 1Attach a resistance band to a stable surface and hold onto each end with an overhand grip.
- 2Step back to bring tension to the band and extend arms out in front of you.
- 3Engaging through your upper back, keep the arms straight and raise them straight up at a 45-degree angle.
- 4Hold at the top for a second or two, then slowly lower the arms to the start position.
- 5Do this for 8-10 reps and 2-3 sets at the start of a back or shoulder workout.

23. Suspension-Trainer Reverse “Y” Fly
This bodyweight exercise is performed with either gymnastic rings or the TRX cable.
You can make the movement more difficult by moving your feet towards the rig and decreasing the angle of your body.
How to do it:
- 1Hold onto the handles of the rings or TRX and lean back until your arms are extended out in front of you. Start with your body in a straight line at around a 45-degree angle and move your feet closer to the rig to increase the difficulty.
- 2Keep your elbows straight, contract your back muscles, and pull the arms out wide to form a Y shape with your body near vertical.
- 3At the top of the movement, hold, focusing on squeezing the shoulder blades, and return to the start with control. Complete 12-15 reps for 2-3 sets.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: This can be done at the start of a workout to fire up the rhomboids.

24. Banded Diagonals & Pull Aparts
Resistance band rhomboid exercises are an ideal warm-up before lifting weights. It will really activate the back muscles and get them ready for some heavy lifting.
How to do it:
- 1Hold onto a medium resistance band (it shouldn’t be too stiff) with two hands
- 2Extend your arms out in front of you with hands at shoulder height.
- 3Raise one arm up at head height and the other at waist height on a diagonal line and pull tension onto the band by squeezing shoulder blades together; the band should move towards your body.
- 4Release and swap to the other side.
- 5Banded pull-aparts are done the same way but not moving into a diagonal shape. Extend the arms out in front, then retract the shoulder blades and pull the band towards your chest.

25. Kettlebell High Pull
The kettlebell high pull will target the deeper back muscles. The horizontal pulling motion will very effectively target the rhomboids, and using kettlebells give you an added cardiovascular workout.
This is a unilateral exercise, allowing more balance between two sides of the body.
This exercise is a progression to the single-arm kettlebell swing, so make sure you are competent in this before trying the high pull.
Suggested Equipment - Best Kettlebells For Home Gyms
How to do it:
- 1Holding onto a kettlebell with an overhand grip and stand with feet outside of shoulder width.
- 2Keeping your core engaged and back tight, hinge at the hips and initiate a one-arm kettlebell swing.
- 3When the kettlebell reaches shoulder height, pull the kettlebell towards your shoulder, keeping your wrist neutral and elbow high.
- 4Push the kettlebell back out and into a swing and repeat, trying to breathe rhythmically.
Garage Gym Pro Tip: Make sure you always have a good grip on the kettlebell, so you do not hit your face as it comes very close. Always start with lighter weights when you're getting used to the movement.

Where Are Your Rhomboid Muscles?
The rhomboid muscle consists of two muscles - major and minor and are found in the upper back.
Together they form one muscle with the rhomboid minor sitting on top of rhomboid major, which is the larger of the two.
These muscles run diagonally from the cervical and thoracic vertebrae down to the scapula (shoulder blades) on each side of the body.
These small muscles are dominated by the trapezius muscle and the latissimus dorsi that lay over them.
The rhomboid muscle can also be referred to as the middle back or mid-back. You cannot see the rhomboid muscles as they are positioned immediately deep to the trapezius muscles.
The rhomboids are an important part of upper limb movement and provide stability of the shoulder joint and the scapular.
The rhomboid, along with many other upper back muscles, forms the shoulder girdle.
Rhomboids assist with the function of the shoulder blades, which includes scapular retraction, scapular downward rotation, and scapular control by anchoring the scapular.
Rhomboid muscles are also key to pulling, throwing, and overhead arm movement.[1]
Benefits Of Rhomboid Strengthening Exercises
Back muscles and lats can easily get tight from lack of movement and contribute to bad posture from being stuck in the same position for long periods.
Too much time spent sitting is a huge issue in today's modern world. We spend way too much time hunched over a cell phone, our laptops, or driving.
Another issue is spending too much effort on upper body pressing exercises, such as bench press, will only make the problem worse. Rowing exercises are fundamental to rhomboid strength.
Tight rhomboid muscle will contribute to muscle imbalances, poor posture, and decreased performance in the gym.
You will be more susceptible to injury and pain daily if you do not strengthen this muscle, and you also limit your mobility, particularly overhead.
If you focus on strengthening and mobilizing your rhomboids:
The rhomboids are often overlooked because it is not an upper back muscle that is going to grow in size; the muscle growth is limited.
But strengthening this as part of the upper back muscles will mean the overall size of your back will get bigger, and you can continue to train how you want.
If the rhomboids are undertrained, this is where imbalances can occur, meaning stronger muscles will take up some of the slack, which can lead to issues elsewhere.

How To Target Your Rhomboids (Some Tips When Exercising)
If you're already doing any sort of pulling or rowing exercises, you're already working your rhomboids.
But many people miss out on targeting them optimally due to a few things that can easily be avoided.
Frequently Asked Rhomboid Exercises Questions
What causes tight rhomboids?
The rhomboid muscles are susceptible to becoming tight due to the amount of sitting we do at a desk, on cell phones, or while driving.
Our posture deteriorates when sitting for long periods, and we end up hunched forwards.
Being stuck in this position for long periods will create a tight and stiff upper back which can cause problems elsewhere in the body.
How do you treat a strained rhomboid?
Strained rhomboids can be treated with gentle stretching or a massage ball or foam roller to relieve the strain.
Awareness of your posture is also important to treat strained rhomboids and to try to move through different positions throughout the day.
It is important to see a physio if any pain persists so they can give you proper rehab exercises and recommendations.
How do you stretch your rhomboids and back?
There are plenty of stretching exercises you can do for your rhomboid and back to loosen the muscles and stay pain-free.
Stretches such as cat/cow and thoracic twists are taking your upper back through active mobility.
A static position you can hold to feel a long stretch through your mid-back is clasping your hands together and extending your arms out in front of you.
From here, push forwards and allow your upper back to round forwards and tuck your chin. Hold for 20-30 seconds and feel instant relief.
How do you release rhomboid trigger points?
Releasing tight rhomboids can be done with active stretching, static stretching, and using soft tissue release tools such as a foam roller or a massage ball.
If that doesn't help, it's a good idea to see a therapist who can release the area with techniques such as dry needling and deep tissue massage.
Why does my rhomboid major hurt?
There can be many causes of rhomboid pain.
Long periods spent at the computer, poor thoracic mobility, and conditions like kyphosis (curvature of the upper spine) are just a few reasons this muscle can cause pain.
If you have kyphosis or limited mobility, make sure you are doing rhomboid exercises at home daily to improve your function.
Pain can also be from a strain caused by exercise, which will improve with gentle stretches, massage, or rest if needed.
Conclusion
Rhomboids are not a muscle that everyone thinks about training, but you definitely should.
You need to be aware of this important muscle as it not only helps with improving your posture, helping with back pain, but it can also improve your performance in the gym.
Reference:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534856/
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Last Updated on February 23, 2023