VARIATIONS

Chest-Supported Smith Machine Row

Chest stays pressed to an incline bench while rowing a bar

This exercise isolates the latissimus dorsi by eliminating lower back strain and momentum. It builds upper back thickness with strict form using a fixed bar path.

HOW TO DO IT

  1. Set the Smith machine bar to mid-thigh height and position an incline bench in front of it.
  2. Lie face down on the bench with your chest firmly pressed against the pad.
  3. Grab the bar with a pronated grip slightly wider than shoulder width.
  4. Pull the bar towards your lower ribs while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  5. Lower the weight slowly until your arms are fully extended.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions without lifting your chest off the pad.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Lifting the chest off the bench to generate momentum.
  • Shrugging the shoulders up towards the ears during the pull.
  • Using too much weight and reducing the range of motion.
  • Flaring the elbows out too wide instead of tucking them.

TIPS

  • Lead the movement with your elbows, not your hands.
  • Keep your neck neutral by looking at the floor rather than forward.
  • Pause briefly at the top of the row to maximize muscle contraction.

DETAILS

Muscles
LatsBack
Equipment
Smith MachineIncline Bench
Type
Strength Training
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tracked as
Weight & Reps

TECHNIQUE

Base movement
Row
Arms
Both
Hand orientation
Pronated (palms down / away)
Grip width
Wide
Body position
Lying face down
Body support
Chest supported
Bench angle
Incline

SIMILAR EXERCISES

Chest-Supported Smith Machine Row · 1/3

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