Back to Library

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Foot Placement: Place your feet firmly on the footrests, ensuring your knees are aligned with your ankles.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the end of the pull, feeling the contraction in your back muscles.
  3. 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

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