Smith Machine Bent Over Row

A back exercise targeting the middle back, performed with machine.

Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration
Smith Machine Bent Over Row — demonstration

Body part

Back

Equipment

Machine

Target muscles

Middle Back

Secondary muscles

Biceps, Lats, Shoulders

How to do Smith Machine Bent Over Row

  1. Set the barbell attached to the smith machine to a height that is about 2 inches below your knees.

  2. Bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor. Tip: Make sure that you keep the head up.

  3. Now grasp the barbell using an overhand (pronated) grip and unlock it from the smith machine rack. Then let it hang directly in front of you as your arms hang extended perpendicular to the floor and your torso. This is your starting position.

  4. While keeping the torso stationary, lift the barbell as you breathe out, keeping the elbows close to the body and not doing any force with the forearm other than holding the weights. On the top contracted position, squeeze the back muscles and hold for a second.

  5. Slowly lower the weight again to the starting position as you inhale.

  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary (target)

Middle Back

Secondary

BicepsLatsShoulders

Related exercises

All back exercises →

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