- Latissimus dorsi. The lats are the big muscles that run down the entire side of your body.
- Trapezius muscle.
- Rhomboids.
- Teres Major And Minor.
- Biceps.
- Isolates The Back Muscles For Serious Muscle Growth And Strength.
- Superb For Injuries Or Rehab.
- Can’t Be Replicated With Free Weights.
Table of Contents
What are high rows good for?
The barbell high row is generally considered a back exercise, but muscles throughout the body are active during this move. The muscles in the middle and upper back (latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius, posterior deltoids) along with the biceps enable the pulling movement.
What can I do instead of a high row machine?
- Barbell High Pull.
- Seated Muscle Snatch.
- Single Arm Dumbbell Power Snatch.
- Dumbbell Lateral Raise.
- Band Lateral Raise.
- Cable Face Pull.
- Dumbbell YTW.
- TRX YTW.
What is difference between low row and high row?
If you perform a low row, we already said the shouler extension will emphasize the lats and the teres major. But if you perform a high row (pictured below), you will emphasize the rhomboids and the mid traps. But no matter which one you perform, the elbow flexion in the rowing action will recruit some bicep too.
Are rows or pulldowns better for lats?
VERDICT: ROWS Rows appear to be a better exercise for stimulating more of the lat muscle fibers and, therefore, helping to build a bigger back.
What is the best row variation?
- Bent over row (3 sets of 10 to 12 reps)
- One-arm dumbbell row (3 sets of 8 to 10 reps on each arm)
- T-bar row (3 sets of 10 reps)
- Gorilla row (3 sets of 10 reps on each arm)
- Inverted row (3 sets of 10 to 15 reps)
What muscles do high to low rows work?
Low and High Rows Low rows, starting with the cable down low and lifting it up to ribcage level, helps build the upper back muscles of the rhomboids and trapezius. High rows, starting with a high cable attachment and pulling down to your lower ribs, target the lower rhomboids and low latissimus dorsi.
How do you use a high row machine?

What exercise is equivalent to rowing?
Dumbbell bent-over rows are an excellent muscle-building exercise for your back and also a great alternative to a rowing machine. It works the same muscles to reap the same health and fitness benefits. Bent over rows target the shoulders, upper arms, chest, core, and back muscles.
Why you shouldn’t do upright rows?
The main issue with upright rows is the risk of shoulder impingement. Generally, shoulder impingement occurs when you internally rotate the shoulder (roll the upper arm forward slightly) and then lift it out to the side.
What is the difference between high pull and upright row?
The high power pull and the upright row are two techniques in weight lifting that work various muscles throughout the body. Although both moves are similar, the upright row targets a specific muscle whereas the high power pull works many muscles throughout the legs, shoulders and arms.
What does ISO lateral high row work?
Along with targeting the latissimus dorsi (muscle on the back trunk of the upper body) this exercise also targets several other muscles such as the biceps. The muscles of the forearm act as helpers along with other muscles of the rotator cuff which also assist as you pull the bar in up and down motion.
Which row is best for back?
Bent-Over Barbell Row The bent-over barbell row is the best back movement in terms of sheer weight a person can lift. It equally works the larger muscle groups of the lower and upper back, making this exercise a great overall back builder.
How many reps should you do on a rowing machine?
In terms of time, weight loss is best achieved with consistency, so aim for at least 30 minutes per day on a rower, anywhere from 4 to 6 times a week. Make sure you’re getting enough rest days, especially if you’re just getting started!
Does rowing work chest?
Rowing — whether in the water or on the rowing machine — is an effective full-body exercise that particularly targets the chest. To build strong chest muscles safely, aim to perform rowing exercises two or three days per week, with at least one day in between each session so your muscles have time to recover.
Is HIGH row good for lats?
Machine High Row Muscles Worked The primary muscles involved in the machine high row are the latissimus dorsi or lats. In addition, the machine high row works the rhomboids, teres major, and teres minor like a lat pulldown. And it works the lower traps like a low row.
Can rows replace chin-ups?
Try Bent-Over Rows Lat pulldowns are the best substitute for chinups โ not only do they work the same muscle groups, but they also work them in the same plane. However, if neither chinups nor lat pulldowns are an option, you can get by with bent-over rows.
Can rows replace pulldowns?
Barbell and dumbbell rows: these aren’t a perfect replacement for chin-ups, pull-ups, and lat pulldowns, since they don’t work our lats through as large of a range of motion, but they’re still pretty good! Even with limited equipment, you can build fearsome lats with just rows.
Does rowing tone your arms?
Rowing To Tone And Sculpt Arms Rowing tones your entire body. Not only is a rowing machine good for abs, but the engagement of the muscles in your upper body will also strengthen and develop your arm muscles. This will impact their size and shape.
Do rows make back thicker?
Your back is an amalgam of muscles that need to be stimulated from a variety of angles. The best row to thicken your traps is different than the row that will help you engage your lower lats. To make your next back day more productive, we’ve culled seven row variations for you to try.
Do rows make your back wider?
Out of all of the row variations, the inverted row works your latissimus dorsi the most. According to a 2014 study in the European Journal of Sports and Exercise Science, the inverted row maximally activates the latissimus dorsi, making it the best exercise to develop a wide back.
Do high rows work traps?
The barbell row targets your upper back musclesโyour middle and lower traps, your rhomboids, and the stabilizer muscles in the back of your shouldersโhelping to pull your shoulders back. When there is a strength imbalance between your chest and your back, your shoulders will hunch forward.
How many sets of rows should you do?
Do sets of 15 to 30 reps with moderate weight. If you can perform more than 30 reps with ease, the weight is too light. For best results, try to perform perfect reps to complete failure, with no more than 20-30 reps per set. If you can do more than this, try adding some weight or add pauses and slow-tempo reps.
What is a high row exercise?
Lift the chest up and pull the elbows back until the hands are right in front of the shoulders, then pause for 2-3 seconds. Slowly straighten the arms to return the weight to the starting position.
How effective is a rowing machine?
A 30-minute rowing workout will strengthen the muscles in your upper body, lower body, and core, as well as increase your cardiovascular endurance. Also, according to Harvard Health, a 125-pound person can burn 255 calories in 30 minutes of a vigorous rowing workout.