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Exercise Guide
How to do machine low row
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The machine low row is designed to target the middle and lower latissimus dorsi, as well as the rhomboids. By sitting in a fixed position, you can focus entirely on the pulling motion and scapular retraction without worrying about balance. This makes it an ideal exercise for building back thickness and improving posture, providing a controlled environment for lifting heavier weights safely.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Low Row Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat so that the chest pad is comfortably against your sternum (breastbone) when your arms are fully extended. You should have a slight bend in your knees, and your back should be straight.
- Foot Placement: Place your feet firmly on the footrests, ensuring your knees are aligned with your ankles.
- Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) or overhand grip (palms facing down), depending on the machine and your preference.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the handles towards your lower abdomen, just above your thighs. Keep your elbows close to your body and your back straight. 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.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable. Avoid rounding your shoulders forward.
Tips:
- Focus on the Back: Think about initiating the movement from your back muscles, primarily your latissimus dorsi (lats) and rhomboids, not just your arms.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull the handles. Avoid letting them flare out to the sides.
- Torso Stability: Keep your core engaged and avoid leaning back excessively as you pull. Your torso should remain relatively still throughout the movement.
- Variations: Some machines offer different handle options, allowing for various grip widths and hand positions. Experiment to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
Common mistakes: Shortening the range of motion by not fully extending the arms and using the lower back to pull the weight.
Alternatives
Cable
lat prayer
Back
Pull Up Bar
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown(wide bar)
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Row Cable
cable seated one arm row
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Pull Up Bar
chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown behind the neck
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Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
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Pull Up Bar
chin ups narrow parallel grip
BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar
pull up
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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)
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Bench
dumbbell chest supported row
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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