Target Muscle

    Upper Back

    Equipment

    Smith Machine

    Difficulty

    Beginner

    Category

    Strength

    Smith Narrow Row

    The smith narrow row is a machine-based rowing exercise targeting the upper back, performed with a narrow grip to emphasize the upper back muscles and rear deltoids. It is performed on a Smith machine, which provides guided movement for added stability.

    Also Works

    BicepsRear Deltoids

    How to Perform

    1. 1

      Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the machine with your feet flat on the floor.

    2. 2

      Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.

    3. 3

      Keep your back straight and your chest up as you pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

    4. 4

      Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the handles back to the starting position.

    5. 5

      Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Pro Tips

    • Pull the handles toward your lower sternum area and squeeze your shoulder blades together at peak contraction.
    • Keep your chest up and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
    • Use a 2-second squeeze at the top of each rep to maximize mid-back engagement.

    Common Mistakes

    • Rounding the upper back and losing the chest-up position during the pull.
    • Using too much weight and relying on momentum instead of controlled rowing.
    • Pulling with the biceps instead of initiating the movement with the back muscles.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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