Primary
Back
Secondary
Biceps, Rear deltoids
Equipment
Machine
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Pull
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High row machines pull from an overhead angle toward your upper chest, combining elements of pulldowns and rows. The angled path hits your upper lats and teres major from a unique direction that neither pure pulldowns nor horizontal rows replicate.
When to use it
Use for upper lat - pay attention to this for better results.
Who it's for
All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition.
Pull the handles down and back toward your upper chest, not straight down like a pulldown. Let your shoulders stretch forward at the top for a full lat stretch before initiating each rep.
See where High Row Machine fits in your weekly plan
We slot it into the right day with sets, reps, and progression you can follow.
Sit at the high row machine.
Adjust chest pad for optimal results.
Grip handles above you.
Pull handles down and back.
Squeeze shoulder blades.
Return with control.
Targets upper lats for optimal results.
Great machine variation.
Full stretch at top.
Squeeze at bottom for optimal results.
Use high row machines as a variation from standard pulldowns and rows. Good mid-workout when you want lat work but need variety. The fixed path makes them beginner-friendly while still challenging advanced lifters.
Not getting full stretch.
Cutting the range of motion short on the High Row Machine means your Latissimus dorsi never reaches full stretch or full contraction. Research shows full range of motion produces significantly more muscle growth than partial reps at the same load.
Using momentum instead of controlled muscle contraction.
Bouncing or using momentum during the High Row Machine takes work away from your Latissimus dorsi and puts your connective tissue at risk. Control the weight through the full range — if you can't, lower the load.
Coming off pad for optimal results.
On pulling movements like the High Row Machine, this mistake typically means your arms are doing work that should come from your Latissimus dorsi. Initiate every rep by engaging your Latissimus dorsi first, then let your arms follow.
All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps. Rest 60-90s.
MySetPlan places High Row Machine inside a complete workout — with the right sets, reps, rest periods, and a progression you can follow week to week.
Sample workout
MySetPlan guides you set by set, times your rest, lets you swap if equipment is busy, and tells you what to do next.
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High Row Machine
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Frequently Asked Questions About the High Row Machine
The High Row Machine primarily targets the Latissimus dorsi, Teres major, making it an effective exercise for back development. Secondary muscles worked during the High Row Machine include Biceps, Rear deltoids, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Grip.
Yes, the High Row Machine is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the High Row Machine, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps. Rest 60-90s. For strength, use 6-8 reps. For muscle growth, perform 10-12 reps. For endurance, complete 12-15 reps.
The High Row Machine typically requires a machine, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the High Row Machine include: Lat Pulldown, Pull-Up. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the High Row Machine and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.