ExercisesRowing machine

Rowing machine

Drive with your legs first, then lean back slightly and pull the handle to your ribs. The sequence is legs, body, arms, then reverse it.

CardioMachinesDifficulty 2 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the rowing machine, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Drive with your legs first, then lean back slightly and pull the handle to your ribs. The sequence is legs, body, arms, then reverse it.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • quadsprimary
  • lats
  • upper back
  • hamstrings

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

No machines? Swap it out

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

Get my sets and reps
JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2