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Last updated March 5, 2026
Shoulders
Row - Vertical, Reverse Grip (Machine)
Sit upright and grab the handles with palms facing you. Pull down and back, depressing your shoulders to engage the lats fully.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Rear Shoulders
Secondary
Lats
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
- Sit down on the machine with your back against the pad and feet flat on the ground.
- Adjust the seat height if necessary so that the handles are at about shoulder level.
- Step 2Grab the Handles
- Using a reverse grip (palms facing you), grasp the handles firmly.
- Ensure your hands are shoulder-width apart for optimal grip.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your chest out and shoulders back, engaging your core.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent and close to your body.
- Step 4Pull the Handles
- Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Focus on bringing the handles to your lower ribcage or upper abdomen.
- Step 5Control the Return
- Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position without locking your elbows.
- Maintain control throughout the movement to engage your muscles effectively.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pulling and returning motion for the desired number of repetitions.
- Ensure that your form remains consistent with each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the handles and sit back for a moment.
- Once you are ready, stand up and step away from the machine.
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