Middle Back · Smith Machine

Smith Machine Bent Over Row

A compound movement that trains your middle back, done with a smith machine. Your biceps, lats and shoulders help out.

Smith Machine Bent Over Row, starting positionSmith Machine Bent Over Row, end position
EquipmentSmith Machine
TypeCompound
Push or pullPull
LevelBeginner

Muscles you'll work

Smith Machine Bent Over Row muscles worked, front viewSmith Machine Bent Over Row muscles worked, back view
Middle BackPrimaryBiceps · Lats · ShouldersSecondary

How to do it

  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.

More middle back exercises

Bent Over Barbell RowBent Over Row (Band)Bent Over Two-Dumbbell RowChest Supported Y Raise (Dumbbell)
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