Machine chest-supported row

Chest-supported row machine

Also called chest supported machine row

Machine chest-supported row, start position — Images: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

Machine chest-supported row, end position — Images: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

Set your chest on the pad of a chest-supported row machine, grip the handles, and pull them back toward the sides of the torso, then return under control.

Keep the chest on the pad
Pull elbows back past the torso
Squeeze the back at the end

Movement

Pattern: Horizontal pull
Type: Compound, several joints move
Sides: Both sides together
Equipment: Chest-supported row machine

Muscles worked

Main movers get full credit for a set, helpers half.

Upper body

LatsMain
Upper backMain
Rear deltsHelper
BicepsHelper

Ratings

Scores 1-5 averaged over sources. Tap a rating for the claims behind it. Claims are our summaries of the linked sources, fact-checked by AI.

Muscle growth higher is better3.5
Very good; among the better picks for the muscle. 2 sources.
- 3/5 Average one is B to low A; adjustable chest pads allow a stretch but bad machines are very poor at the stretch. Renaissance Periodization, Every Gym Machine Ranked by Exercise Scientists @ 17:41videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI
- 4/5 Rotating-handle row adds rhomboids and mid/upper traps work with a big stretch and a hard squeeze, 10-15 reps. Renaissance Periodization, Science-Based Back Width Workout for Natural Lifters @ 9:24videoExpert opinion2024checked by AI
Loaded stretch higher is better5.0
Peak tension at a deep stretch. 1 source.
- 5/5 Cam setting 3 loads the deepest stretch so the row is hardest when lats are lengthened, then eases at the contraction. Renaissance Periodization, The 10 BEST Gym Machines For Muscle Growth @ 9:15videoExpert opinion2025checked by AI