← Back to library
Last updated February 2, 2026
Media unavailable
latslower backteres majortrapezius
Row - Seated (Machine)
Use the selectorized machine. Sit tall with chest on the pad. Pull the weight without rocking your torso back and forth.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
lats
Secondary
mid traps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
weight machines / selectorized
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 seated row machine so that the handles are at chest level when you sit down.
- Sit down on the machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent.
- Step 2Grab the Handles
- Reach for the handles with both hands, using an overhand grip or neutral grip, depending on the machine.
- Ensure your hands are shoulder-width apart for optimal grip.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your back against the backrest, keeping your core engaged.
- Retract your shoulder blades and keep your chest up to maintain proper posture.
- Step 4Pull the Handles
- Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull the handles back.
- Step 5Return to Starting Position
- Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, allowing your shoulder blades to move apart.
- Maintain control throughout the movement and avoid letting the weights drop suddenly.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pulling and returning motion for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining good form with each rep to maximize effectiveness and prevent injury.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the handles back on the machine.
- Stand up from the machine, ensuring you maintain good posture as you do so.