How to Do Sled Row
Start and end of one clean rep of Sled Row.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Back |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Biceps |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Sled Row
- Attach dual handles to a sled connected by a rope or chain. Load the sled to an appropriate weight. Face the sled, backing up until there is some tension in the line.
- With a handle in each hand, bend the knees slightly, keep your head and chest up, and begin with your arms extended.
- To initiate the movement, flex the elbow as you retract your shoulder blades, pulling the sled towards you.
- Take a step or two back to get tension in the line and repeat.
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.
- Control the lowering phase — a 2–3 second descent builds more than dropping the weight.
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 Sled Row work?
Sled Row mainly works the back, with the biceps helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Sled Row?
Sled Row needs the corresponding weight-stack or plate-loaded machine.
How many sets and reps should I do for Sled 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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