How to Do Leverage Iso Row
Start and end of one clean rep of Leverage Iso Row.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Back |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Biceps |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Leverage Iso Row
- Load an appropriate weight onto the pins and adjust the seat height so that the handles are at chest level. Grasp the handles with either a neutral or pronated grip. This will be your starting position.
- Pull the handles towards your torso, retracting your shoulder blades as you flex the elbow.
- Pause at the bottom of the motion, and then slowly return the handles to the starting position. For multiple repetitions, avoid completely returning the weight to the stops to keep tension on the muscles being worked.
Muscles worked
- Back (primary): pulls the arms down and toward the torso and keeps the spine stable.
- Biceps (secondary): bends the elbow and turns the palm up during pulls and curls.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Start each rep by pulling the shoulder blades in first, then drive with the elbows — think of pulling with the elbows, not the hands.
- Set the seat and pads so the machine's pivot lines up with the joint you're training before your first rep.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.
Common mistakes
- Yanking with the arms and forgetting the back, so the biceps give out before the target muscle does.
- Leaving the seat or range on a setting that forces the joint into an awkward angle.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Leverage Iso Row work?
Leverage Iso Row mainly works the back, with the biceps helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Leverage Iso Row?
Leverage Iso Row needs the corresponding weight-stack or plate-loaded machine.
How many sets and reps should I do for Leverage Iso Row?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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