What is the number 1 back exercise?

🔥 DEBATE TIME: Is the Deadlift REALLY the Ultimate Back Exercise? Spill Your Secrets!

Yo gym fam! Let’s settle this once and for all: What’s your #1 go-to back exercise for building a beastly, injury-proof physique?

We all know the classics—deadlifts get crowned as the “king of back moves” for hitting traps, lats, and that stubborn lower back. But is it truly the MVP, or are we sleeping on other game-changers?

The Case for Deadlifts 🏋️♂️

Full-body carnage: Engages everything from calves to traps. Feels like you’re hoisting a car off a toddler.

Posture savior: Counters our bench-bro hunchback era.

Ego fuel: Nothing beats slapping another plate on the bar.

BUT… What If You’re Not a Deadlift Stan?

Bent-over rows: For those craving that cobra-back width.

Weighted pull-ups: Because wingspan goals don’t build themselves.

Face pulls: The underrated hero for fixing “desk-job shoulders”.

Hot Takes Needed:

Deadlift loyalists—what’s your secret sauce? Sumo vs. conventional? Straps or raw doggin’ it?

Anti-deadlift rebels: Do you swear by unilateral moves (hello, single-arm rows) or isometrics instead?

Injury-prone crew: What’s your safe-but-savage alternative? (Rack pulls? Inverted rows? Spill!)

My Controversial Take: Deadlifts built my back foundation, but meadow rows gave me those 3D Christmas-tree striations. Fight me.

Drop Your Hierarchy Below!

🥇 #1 Back Move: _____

🥈 Close Second: _____

🚮 Overrated: _____ (Mine: Lat pulldowns. Fight me… again.)

Bonus Q: What’s the most underrated back exercise everyone ignores? (I’ll start: Towel pull-ups for grip + lat murder.)

Let’s settle this like civilized lifters—with passive-aggressive form critiques and protein-shake toasts. 💥💪

(Visual: Imagine someone mid-deadlift with a caption: “When your lower back out-thinks your philosophy degree.”)

Hey everyone, great topic! It's cool to see what everyone thinks is the best back exercise. I totally get the love for deadlifts.

They work everything, and it feels awesome to lift heavy. They definitely helped me build a base of strength in my back when I started lifting.

But, I think there are other exercises that can be just as good, especially if you're looking for something specific. For me, the #1 Back Move is Weighted Pull-Ups

I really feel them in my lats, and they've helped me build a lot of width. Plus, they work your biceps and grip too! My Close Second is Bent-Over Rows.

These are great for hitting the mid-back and building overall thickness. For me, Overrated might be Lat Pulldowns. https://www.ntaifitness.com/en/back-machine

They're okay, but I just don't feel like they're as effective as pull-ups. I also think Face Pulls are super underrated.  

They're really important for shoulder health and posture, especially if you sit at a desk all day. They also help with upper back strength.

So yeah, that's my take! What does everyone else think? I am eager to hear you all's response.