Machine High Row
Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
high row machine Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A rowing movement performed on a machine with handles positioned at upper chest level, targeting the lats with emphasis on upper back engagement.
Instructions
- Sit at the machine with your torso upright, feet firmly planted on the floor or footrest.
- Grasp the handles at a width slightly wider than shoulder-width, positioned at chest height.
- Keep your arms extended in front of you with a slight bend in the elbows.
- Pull the handles toward your body, driving your elbows back and out to the sides.
- Bring your hands to approximately chest level and squeeze your back muscles at the peak contraction.
- Slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position under control.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- Maintain an upright posture throughout the movement; avoid rounding your back.
- Focus on pulling with your back muscles rather than using excessive arm strength.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back throughout the entire exercise.
- Control the eccentric phase and avoid letting the weight snap back to the starting position.
- Keep your elbows slightly higher than your shoulders during the pull.
- Start with moderate weight to establish proper form before increasing load.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 28 kg | 18 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 25 kg | 16 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 19 kg | 12 kg |
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