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Last updated February 2, 2026
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latslower backteres majortrapezius
High Row (Machine: Plate Loaded)
Pull the weight by driving your elbows down and back. Keep your chest pressed against the pad throughout the movement to isolate your back muscles.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
upper back / rhomboids
Secondary
rear shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
leverage machine
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the seat height of the high row machine so that the handles are at shoulder level.
- Sit down on the machine with your back against the pad and your feet flat on the floor.
- Step 2Grab the Handles
- Reach for the handles with both hands, using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Ensure your hands are positioned comfortably on the handles, with your arms fully extended.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your chest lifted and shoulders back.
- Engage your core to maintain stability throughout the movement.
- Step 4Pull the Handles
- Begin the movement by pulling the handles towards your upper chest, bending your elbows and keeping them close to your body.
- Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you pull.
- Step 5Control the Return
- Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Ensure that you do not let the weights drop too quickly.
- Step 6Repeat
- Continue to pull and return for the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining proper form.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the handles back in their starting position.
- Stand up from the machine and ensure you are steady before walking away.