Lever High Row is an impressive compound exercise. Are you looking for a new move to add to your workout routine? If so, the Lever High Row might be the perfect choice for you. This exercise is a great way to target multiple muscle groups and build strength. Not only will you be getting a great workout, you’ll also be learning how to do it safely and effectively. Keep reading to find out all the benefits, muscles used, tips and mistakes to avoid when doing the Lever High Row.
- Lever High Row (Machine) Summary
- Lever High Row (Machine) Instructions
- Video Tutorial
- Lever High Row (Machine) Muscles
- Benefits of Lever High Row (Machine)
- Tips for Performing Lever High Row (Machine)
- Benefits and Tips Video
- Frequent Mistakes To Avoid
- Variations and Complementary Exercises
- Opposing Complementary Exercises
- Recap
Lever High Row (Machine) Summary
- Primary Muscles: Deltoid – Posterior
- Secondary Muscles: Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius – Lower, and Trapezius – Middle
- Equipment: High Row Machine
- Mechanics Type: Compound
- Force: Pull
- Utility: Basic
Lever High Row (Machine) Instructions
- Stand with feet hip-width apart.
- Hold a lever in each hand.
- Bend your knees slightly and lean forward from the hips.
- Keep your back flat and core engaged.
- Pull the levers up towards your chest, keeping your elbows close to your sides.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the move.
- Slowly lower the levers back to starting position.
- Repeat.
Video Tutorial
Lever High Row (Machine) Muscles
Target (Agonist)
- Deltoid – Posterior
Synergists
- Brachialis
- Brachioradialis
- Infraspinatus
- Rhomboids
- Teres Minor
- Trapezius – Lower
- Trapezius – Middle
Dynamic Stabilizers
- Biceps Brachii
Stabilizers
- Latissimus Dorsi
- Levator Scapulae
- Rhomboids
- Trapezius – Lower
- Trapezius – Middle
- Triceps Brachii
Antagonist Stabilizers
- Obliques
- Rectus Abdominis

Benefits of Lever High Row (Machine)
The Lever High Row (Machine) exercise is a great addition to any strength training or fitness routine as it is an effective way to target the posterior deltoid muscle. This muscle is important for shoulder stability, and strengthening it can help prevent shoulder injuries. The Lever High Row (Machine) exercise also helps to improve posture and promote healthy shoulder joint mechanics. Performing this exercise regularly can lead to improved upper body strength, better posture, and greater shoulder stability and mobility.
Tips for Performing Lever High Row (Machine)
The Lever High Row is a great exercise for those looking to build a strong back, improve posture, and increase overall strength. With the right technique, you can get the most out of this exercise and achieve the maximum benefits. To help you get the most out of your workout, here are some tips to keep in mind when doing the Lever High Row.
- Maintain proper form: It is important to keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise to ensure you are using the correct muscles and to prevent any injuries.
- Focus on squeezing shoulder blades together: Concentrating on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of the exercise will help to engage the muscles in the back more effectively and ensure a good range of motion.
- Control the weight: Start with lighter weights and focus on controlling the movement so that it is performed slowly and with control throughout. This will help to ensure that your form is correct and that you are activating the correct muscles.
Benefits and Tips Video
Frequent Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to doing the Lever High Row exercise correctly, there are some common mistakes that should be avoided. Improper form can lead to an increased risk of injury, so it’s important to take the time to understand the exercise and how it should be performed. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common mistakes people make when doing this exercise.
- Not using correct form: It is important to keep your back straight and maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise to ensure proper technique and avoid injury.
- Moving too quickly: Moving too quickly during Lever High Rows can cause you to use momentum instead of your muscles to lift the weight, reducing the effectiveness of the exercise.
- Not using enough weight: Using too little weight can make it difficult to properly engage your muscles and make the exercise less effective. It is important to choose a weight that is challenging but not too heavy for you to handle.
Variations and Complementary Exercises
The Lever High Row (Machine) exercise is a great way to target your back muscles, but it’s not the only way. There are plenty of variations, complementary, and alternative exercises that can help you work the same muscles as the Lever High Row (Machine). Here are some of the best:

Reverse Fly With Bands: Reverse Fly With Bands is an excellent complementary or alternative exercise to the Lever High Row (Machine). This exercise targets the same muscle group, but in a different way. The Reverse Fly With Bands focuses on the muscles of the upper back and shoulders, and helps to improve posture and reduce stress on the neck and spine. The exercise is performed by holding a band in both hands, extending the arms out to the side, and then bringing them back in towards each other. This exercise is great for strengthening the muscles of the back and shoulders, while also increasing stability and balance in the core.

T Bar Reverse Grip Row: The T Bar Reverse Grip Row is an effective alternative or complementary exercise to the Lever High Row (Machine). This exercise works the back muscles, specifically the lats and traps. It can be done using a low pulley cable machine or a T-bar attachment. To perform this exercise, stand behind the bar, gripping it with an overhand grip and your feet shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back flat and your core engaged, pull the bar up towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Slowly lower the bar back to the starting position. This exercise is great for targeting the upper back and improving posture.

Band Rear Deltoid Row: The Band Rear Deltoid Row is a great alternative or complementary exercise to the Lever High Row. This exercise works the muscles of the back, shoulders, and arms, and can be done with minimal equipment. By performing this exercise you can focus on your rear deltoids and upper back, while still getting the benefits of the Lever High Row. The Band Rear Deltoid Row requires you to use a resistance band to pull your arms backward and up, while keeping your torso and legs stationary. This exercise is great for toning and strengthening your back muscles, as well as improving posture and strengthening your core.
Check Out These Top Machine Exercises

Barbell Incline Row: The Barbell Incline Row is an effective complementary or alternative exercise for the Lever High Row. It helps target the same muscles as the Lever High Row, but with a slightly different angle. To perform the Barbell Incline Row, you’ll need an adjustable incline bench and a barbell. Position yourself on the bench with your feet flat on the floor and your chest pressed against the back of the bench. Grasp the barbell with an overhand grip and pull it towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of the motion. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat. This exercise is great for strengthening your back muscles, shoulders, and arms.

Dumbbell Palm Rotational Bent Over Row: The Dumbbell Palm Rotational Bent Over Row is a great complementary exercise to the Lever High Row Machine exercise. It works the same muscles, but it allows you to use a more natural range of motion while keeping the core engaged throughout the exercise. The dumbbell version of the exercise also allows you to work one arm at a time, which can help to improve stability and coordination. Additionally, the bent-over position of the dumbbell row allows for greater range of motion, helping to target the back muscles more effectively.

Dumbbell Supported One Arm Row: The Dumbbell Supported One Arm Row is an excellent complement to or alternative for the Lever High Row (Machine). This exercise is a great way to target the muscles of the back, shoulders, and arms. This exercise involves balancing on one leg and using the other arm to lift the dumbbell up to your chest. The weight should be heavy enough to cause a challenge, but not so heavy that you cannot maintain good form. This exercise will help strengthen and develop the muscles of the back, shoulders, and arms while improving your balance and stability. It can also be used as an alternative to the Lever High Row (Machine) when it is unavailable or if you are looking for a different variation to challenge your muscles.
Opposing Complementary Exercises
By complementing the Lever High Row (Machine) with exercises that work opposing muscle groups, you can create a balanced workout that strengthens and tones your upper body. To target opposing muscles, try the following exercises:

Cable Low Fly: Cable Low Fly is an effective exercise to complement the Lever High Row (Machine) by targeting the opposing muscle group. This exercise focuses on the chest, shoulders, and arms, working to strengthen and tone the upper body muscles. It also helps to increase stability and improve posture. Cable Low Fly requires a cable machine and can be done with either one or two handles, depending on the desired intensity. To perform this exercise, stand facing the machine, gripping the handles with your palms facing down. Pull your arms out to the side and squeeze your chest muscles at the top of the movement. Return to the start position and repeat for desired reps. Cable Low Fly is a great exercise to add variety to your workouts, as well as strengthening and toning the chest, shoulders, and arms.

Decline Dumbbell Fly: Decline Dumbbell Fly is an effective exercise for targeting the chest muscles and is a great complement to the Lever High Row (Machine) exercise. By targeting the opposing muscle group, the Lever High Row works the back muscles, while the Decline Dumbbell Fly works the chest muscles. This combination helps to create a balanced physique and can help to prevent any muscular imbalances from developing over time. As both exercises focus on different muscle groups, they help to build strength and definition throughout the body, while also improving posture and preventing injury.

Decline Dumbbell Twist Fly: Decline Dumbbell Twist Fly is a great exercise to pair with Lever High Row (Machine) as it targets the opposing muscle group. Decline Dumbbell Twist Fly focuses on the chest, shoulders, and triceps while Lever High Row (Machine) focuses on the back and biceps. Doing these exercises together will help create a balanced workout that targets both the upper body and lower body. It is important to remember to perform both exercises with proper form and to focus on the full range of motion to get the best results.
Recap
The Lever High Row is an exercise that provides many benefits, from strengthening the middle and upper back to improving posture. With a few tips and guidelines in mind, you can do this exercise safely and effectively. By engaging your core and keeping your head up, you can make sure you’re making the most out of your workout. So, if you’re looking to get fit and strengthen your back, the Lever High Row is a great place to start. For more fitness tips and tricks, be sure to check out our other articles!
References: Wikipedia | ExRx.net | PubMed.gov