Machine Row primarily works the upper back and lats. It is categorized as a pull movement and uses Machine.
- Primary muscles
- upper back and lats
- Equipment
- Machine
- Movement pattern
- pull
- Catalog difficulty
- 1 of 5
How to do Machine Row
- Sit tall with ribs stacked over hips
- Pull elbows back, then return slowly
Common mistakes
- Throwing the torso backward to move the weight
Muscles worked
The primary catalog target is upper back, with lats also involved. Exercise feel varies with setup, range of motion, and individual anatomy.
Easier and harder options
Easier option: Band Row
Harder option: One-Arm Row
Related exercises and substitutions
A useful substitute should preserve the job this movement has in the session—not merely train a nearby body part. Explore the related Movviva guides below, then compare pattern, target muscles, available equipment, and difficulty.
Band Row · One-Arm Row · One-Arm Row · Lat Pulldown · Band Row · Barbell Shrug
Put Machine Row into a plan that adapts.
Movviva builds strength, mobility, and conditioning around your goal, schedule, equipment, and completed training—then gives you the next workout with guided targets and smart swaps.