Smith machine bent-over row

The bent-over row with the bar running in a Smith machine's track: the same unsupported hinge as the barbell row, with the bar's path guided.

Row family

Smith machine bent-over row

Harder option

The bent-over row with the bar running in a Smith machine's track: the same unsupported hinge as the barbell row, with the bar's path guided.

DemandMedium

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusBack · Biceps · Shoulders

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

Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.

How to move

Set the bar just below knee height, hinge forward with a flat back and take it overhand.
Unhook it and row it to the lower ribs.
Lower it slowly to long arms, then hook it at the end.

Form cues

Hold the hinge still throughout.
Set the safety stops below the lowest point.

Practice and cautions

No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.

This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

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

Fenwick 2009 · Rowing exercises compared: the bent-over row loads the trunk and spine most (EMG, JSCR) ↗
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.

Loading movement options…

What it works

Muscles

Main: Back. Also: Biceps, Shoulders.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Intermediate. See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

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

Underhand bent-over barbell row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoUnderhand bent-over barbell rowAdvanced · A barbell

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

3D demoAlternating bent-over kettlebell rowIntermediate · A kettlebell

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

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

Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBent Over One-Arm Long Bar RowBeginner · A barbell

Browse more

Questions people ask

What muscles does the Smith machine bent-over row work?

Mainly the back, with help from the biceps and shoulders.

What equipment do I need for the Smith machine bent-over row?

Strength machine.

Is the Smith machine bent-over row good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. If it is too hard right now, start with the Supported single-arm dumbbell row.

What is an easier alternative to the Smith machine bent-over row?

Try the Supported single-arm dumbbell row. Both are written steps in the same progression.

How do I make the Smith machine bent-over row harder?

Progress to the Bent-over barbell row, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.