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Exercise Guide
How to do machine seated row
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The machine seated row is a fundamental exercise for developing the muscles of the mid-back, including the rhomboids and traps. By sitting in a fixed position, you can focus purely on pulling the weight and retracting your shoulder blades. This machine variation minimizes the involvement of the lower back, allowing for a safer way to move heavy loads and build significant back thickness and strength over time.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Seated Row Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so your chest is comfortably against the pad 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. 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: Shrugging during the pull, shortening the range of motion, and leaning excessively backward.
Alternatives
Cable
lat prayer
Back
Pull Up Bar
chin up
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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