The lever alternating narrow grip seated row is a machine-based exercise targeting the upper back, performed by alternately pulling each handle towards the torso while maintaining proper posture.
Quick Facts
How to Do Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row with proper form and technique.
- Adjust the seat height and footplate position to ensure proper alignment.
- Sit on the machine with your back straight and feet flat on the footplate.
- Grasp the handles with a narrow grip, palms facing each other.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back throughout the exercise.
- Pull one handle towards your torso while keeping the other handle stationary.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
- Slowly return the handle to the starting position and repeat with the other side.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row
Incorporating Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Upper Back Development: Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row directly targets and strengthens the Upper Back, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Biceps and Forearms, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Safe and Controlled Movement: Machine exercises provide a fixed movement path, reducing the need for stabilization and allowing you to focus purely on the target muscles.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Corrects Imbalances: As a unilateral exercise, it helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides of the body.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Upper Back and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Adjust to Your Body: Take time to properly adjust all seat heights and pad positions to fit your body before adding weight.
- Protect Your Lower Back: Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement. Never round your lower back under load.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Upper Back typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Lever Alternating Narrow Grip Seated Row, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.
Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.