Smith Machine Barbell Row

Row with the bar guided by the rails: the path is fixed, so all you have to stabilize is the inclined torso.

• Compound
• Machine
• Intermediate

How to do it

• Guided bar: feet under the bar and torso inclined before unlocking the hooks
• Hinge at the hips with a neutral back and the torso inclined
• Pull toward your abdomen and squeeze the shoulder blades at the end of the range

Sets, reps and tempo

Ranges: 6–10 reps · 1–3 RIR

Tempo: Pull for 1 s to your stomach, lower for 2 s under control; torso braced

Common mistakes

• Standing up out of the hinge on each rep to help move the load
• Choosing a start height that forces you to round the back to reach the bar

Muscles worked

Primary

• Back
• Lats

Secondary

• Biceps
• Erectors / lower back
• Traps

Alternatives

• Barbell Row
• Single-Arm Dumbbell Row
• Pendlay Row
• Chest-Supported Machine Row