Seated Row (Sled)

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
sled
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A seated pulling exercise using a weighted sled to develop back and lat strength with lower body stability.

Instructions

  1. Attach dual handles to a sled connected by a rope or chain. Load the sled to an appropriate weight.
  2. Sit on the floor facing the sled with your legs extended or knees slightly bent.
  3. Grasp the handles with both hands, maintaining a neutral spine and upright torso.
  4. Ensure there is tension in the line before beginning.
  5. Pull the handles toward your torso by retracting your shoulder blades and flexing your elbows.
  6. Control the return to the starting position, maintaining tension in the rope.

Tips

  • Keep your back upright throughout; avoid rounding or excessive forward lean.
  • Initiate the pull from your middle back and lats, not just your arms.
  • Maintain constant tension in the rope without slack.
  • Your legs should remain stable throughout the movement.
  • The seated position reduces leg involvement, allowing greater focus on back development.

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 22 kg 14 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 20 kg 13 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 15 kg 10 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (Barbell)

Bent-Over Row Reverse-Grip (Barbell)

Learn more about bent-over row reverse-grip (barbell)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Chest-Supported Incline Row (Dumbbell)

Learn more about chest-supported incline row (dumbbell)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength