Australian Pull-Up Bent Knees - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Australian Pull-Up Bent Knees

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Australian Pull-Up Bent Knees.

EasyRear shouldersTrapezius

About this exercise

The Inverted Row with bent knees is an easier variation of the standard inverted row that reduces the load on the upper body by decreasing the effective body weight being lifted. By bending the knees and placing the feet flat on the floor, the centre of gravity shifts, making it ideal for beginners building pulling strength.

How to Perform

  • Set a barbell in a squat rack at approximately waist height
  • Lie underneath the bar and grip it slightly wider than shoulder width with an overhand grip
  • Bend your knees to roughly 90 degrees with feet flat on the floor
  • Hang with arms fully extended and your torso straight from knees to shoulders
  • Pull your chest up to the bar by driving the elbows back and squeezing the shoulder blades together
  • Hold briefly at the top, then lower yourself under control back to the starting position
  • Keep your hips raised throughout — avoid sagging at the waist

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shouldersTrapeziusMiddle back
Secondary
BicepsOuter forearmMiddle chest

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Australian Pull-Up Bent Knees

The Australian Pull-Up Bent Knees is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.