High Row Machine

The high row machine simulates a pull-up or lat pulldown motion in a supported seated position. It is excellent for beginners learning vertical pulling mechanics and for anyone who wants lat development without the difficulty of pull-ups.

Beginner 💪 Lats Compound Pull
3
Sets
10–15
Reps
90 sec
Rest
Compound
Type
🏋️ Machine
High Row Machine — start and finish positionsSTARTFINISH
Machine
Lats Beginner Compound
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Muscles Worked

Learn more in the Lats training guide →

Primary
Lats
Secondary
Upper Back
Biceps
Rear Delts
Highlighted muscles

How To Perform

  1. 1 Sit with thighs under the pad. Reach up to the handles.
  2. 2 Pull the handles down and back, driving elbows toward the floor.
  3. 3 Return to the start with arms fully extended.

Form Cues

  • ✓ Think about pulling your elbows toward your hips.
  • ✓ Keep chest up throughout the movement.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ Leaning too far back.
  • ✗ Not achieving full arm extension between reps.
💡 Professor Splits Says:

Progressive overload is the engine of muscle growth. Track your weights and aim to add small increments weekly. For High Row Machine, this means gradually increasing load, volume (sets × reps), or decreasing rest periods over time.

Exercise Alternatives

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Where This Exercise Fits

FAQ

How many sets of High Row Machine should I do?▾
3 sets of 10–15 reps is a solid starting point. Adjust based on your training frequency and overall weekly volume for lats. Beginners should start with the lower end; advanced trainees can push toward the upper range.
What muscles does High Row Machine target?▾
High Row Machine primarily targets the Lats. Secondary muscles include Upper Back, Biceps, Rear Delts.
Is High Row Machine good for beginners?▾
High Row Machine is beginner-friendly. Focus on technique with lighter loads before adding weight.
How much rest between sets?▾
For High Row Machine, 90 sec of rest between sets is recommended. Compound exercises require more recovery — longer rests (2–3 min) allow better performance on the next set.