‘The Godfather of Bodybuilding,’ Charles Glass is unveiling another technique for maximizing back gains. In an Instagram post shared on Dec. 4, 2025, he showed how to properly stretch during bent-over rows.
When it comes to bodybuilding training, Charles Glass is a savant. Boasting an engineering and gymnastics background, he devises workout plans tailored to specific physiques and goals. He’s had a hand in helping shape legendary IFBB Pros, including Dexter Jackson, Kevin Levrone, and the late Shawn Rhoden.
It’s not just top-tier bodybuilders that Glass has assisted. Over the years, he’s also trained celebrities, like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Wesley Snipes. Through technique efficiency and careful tweaks to form, he’s proven to have a firm grasp on how to produce results.
Since lifters usually cannot see their backs during training, it presents a unique challenge. This makes focus on form and execution paramount. For Glass, he has a few simple steps he keeps in mind when guiding individuals through bent-over rows.
Charles Glass Shares Stretching Form Tip for Bent-Over Rows
In the reel, Glass emphasized the importance of stretching during bent-over rows.
“Are you stretching when you do bent over rows?
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“Give this form a try! Keep the weight light enough for you to control it, stretch it, and contract it!”
For the best results, he said to keep the knees bent, contract while pulling the elbows up.
“Bend those knees, contract and lift up. Pull the elbows out, don’t bring them in, keep them out,” he explained.
Glass hasn’t stopped guiding high-level champions in his spare time. Ahead of her title defense, former Ms. Bikini Olympia Lauralie Chapados got in a special training session with Glass. During the workout, they focused on sculpting her back with five different movements.
Recently, Glass also shared how to perfect drag curl form. As for one of the most common mistakes, he warned against lifters rocking back and forth during repetitions. Instead of using body momentum, he stressed that it’s most optimal to pull the elbows back.
In addition to training breakdowns, Glass has offered useful insight into dieting and nutrition. He believes the number one protein source for most fitness enthusiasts is beef. He added that consuming chicken before beef is best because it speeds up absorption.
While setup and execution on bent-over rows can be challenging for some, Glass is confident his tip can spur progress. He noted that elbow positioning is another key to effective reps.
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