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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:
- Machine Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so your chest is comfortably against the pad when your arms are fully extended.
- Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
- 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.
- Body Position: Sit upright with your chest out, shoulders back and down, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- 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.
- Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the end of the pull, feeling the contraction in your back muscles, particularly your lats and rhomboids.
- 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
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Row Cable
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Pull Up Bar
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Lat Pulldown
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Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
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Pull Up Bar
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Pull Up Bar
pull up
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Lat Pulldown
cable one arm lat pulldown
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Pull Up Bar
close grip chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown
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Row Cable
cable seated row
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Barbell
barbell bent over row
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Cable
cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)
BackRear Shoulder
Cable
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BackRear Shoulder
Barbell
barbell underhand bent over row
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Lat Pulldown
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Bench
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Front Pulldown
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Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm row(with support)
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Barbell
barbell chest supported row
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Barbell
t-bar row(v-grip)
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Landmine
t-bar row
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Lat Pulldown
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
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Low Row Machine
machine low row
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Barbell
barbell reverse grip supported row
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Pulldown Machine
machine lateral pulldown
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown reverse close grip
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High Row Machine
machine high row
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Row Cable
cable low seated row
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Seated Row Machine
machine seated row
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Cable
cable pulldown(v-bar)
BackRear Shoulder
None
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None
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Row Cable
cable seated row(rope)
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Rings
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Squat Rack
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Kettlebell
kettlebell bent over row
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Rings
ring suspended row
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Dumbbell
dumbbell pull over
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Resistance Band
band seated row
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Rowing Machine
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