Back to Library

Exercise Guide

How to do machine high row

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The machine high row is a fantastic movement for targeting the upper lats and rhomboids from a unique vertical angle. The machine provides a stabilized path, allowing you to focus entirely on the contraction of the back muscles. This exercise helps build back width and thickness while reducing the risk of injury compared to free-weight variations, making it a great addition to any back routine.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
High Row Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Machine Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so your chest is comfortably against the pad when your arms are fully extended.
  2. Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
  3. Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral (palms facing each other) or overhand grip (palms facing down), depending on your preference and the machine design.
  4. Body Position: Sit upright with your chest out, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the handles towards your chest, leading with your elbows. Keep your elbows high and focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  2. Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the end of the pull, feeling the contraction in your back muscles, particularly your lats and rhomboids.
  3. Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handles to the starting position, extending your arms fully and allowing your shoulder blades to protract (move apart).

Tips:

  • Focus on the Back: Concentrate on using your back muscles to pull the handles down, rather than relying on your arms.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows high and slightly flared out to the sides throughout the movement.
  • Chest Pad Contact: Maintain contact with the chest pad throughout the exercise for support.
  • Smooth Movement: Avoid jerking or swinging the handles. The movement should be smooth and controlled.

Common mistakes: Not reaching full extension at the top, leaning too far back to pull the weight, and failing to depress the shoulder blades.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

pull up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

BackRear Shoulder
Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

BackRear Shoulder
Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

BackBiceps+1
Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

BackBiceps+1
Landmine

t-bar row

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine

machine low row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine

machine high row

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable low seated row

BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

BackBiceps+1
Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

BackRear Shoulder
None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

BackBiceps
None

superman row with towel

BackBiceps
Row Cable

cable seated row(rope)

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring high suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

BackChest+2
Resistance Band

band seated row

BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

BackQuads+2