Leverage High Row

A beginner strength exercise for the back, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Leverage High Row

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusBack

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Leverage High Row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLeverage High RowBeginner · Strength machine

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Alternating bent-over kettlebell row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoAlternating bent-over kettlebell rowIntermediate · A kettlebell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Load an appropriate weight onto the pins and adjust the seat height so that you can just reach the handles above you. Adjust the knee pad to help keep you down. Grasp the handles with a pronated grip. This will be your starting position.
Pull the handles towards your torso, retracting your shoulder blades as you flex the elbow.
Pause at the bottom of the motion, and then slowly return the handles to the starting position.
For multiple repetitions, avoid completely returning the weight to the stops to keep tension on the muscles being worked.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Back.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Bent-over barbell row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBent-over barbell rowAdvanced · A barbell

Bent-over dumbbell row, palms in demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBent-over dumbbell row, palms inIntermediate · A dumbbell

Bent-over two-dumbbell row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBent-over two-dumbbell rowIntermediate · A dumbbell

Bent-over two-kettlebell row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBent-over two-kettlebell rowIntermediate · A kettlebell

Incline bench pull (45-degree incline row) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoIncline bench pull (45-degree incline row)Intermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Machine row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoMachine rowBeginner · Strength machine

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Leverage High Row work?

Mainly the back.

What equipment do I need for the Leverage High Row?

Strength machine.

Is the Leverage High Row good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Alternating bent-over kettlebell row.

How do I make the Leverage High Row harder?

Progress to the Alternating bent-over kettlebell row, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.