Lever Seated Rear Delt Row
The Lever Seated Rear Delt Row primarily works the Posterior Deltoid, with secondary activation of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Lateral Deltoid. It is a machine compound exercise at beginner difficulty.
The Lever Seated Rear Delt Row is a beginner compound exercise performed with machine, following a horizontal pull movement pattern. It primarily targets the Posterior Deltoid, with secondary engagement of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle). This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A machine compound pull exercise targeting the Posterior Deltoid.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Horizontal Pull |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Posterior Deltoid |
| Secondary | Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) |
Muscles Worked
The Posterior Deltoid is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), and Trapezius (Middle) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Lateral Deltoid act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Posterior Deltoid (shoulders)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Infraspinatus (back)
- Secondary Muscle Latissimus Dorsi (back)
- Secondary Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Minor (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Lateral Deltoid (shoulders)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Place seat at low position.
- Sit on seat with chest against pad and grasp upper handles.
Execution
- Pull lever with elbows up out to sides until upper arms are just beyond parallel, keeping upper arm horizontal, perpendicular to torso.
- Return and repeat.
Comments
- If upper arm travels closer than perpendicular to trunk,latissimus dorsibecomes involved.
- Elbows should be kept same height as shoulders.
- Also see exercise performed onalternative lever row machine.
- Much lighter resistance is required as compared toLever Seated Row.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Retract and depress your shoulder blades before initiating each rep.
- Lead with your elbows rather than your hands to maximize back engagement.
- Avoid shrugging your traps — keep your shoulders packed down and back.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal. As a beginner-friendly exercise, start with lighter loads and focus on form before progressing weight.
| Strength | 3–5 sets × 3–6 reps at 80–90% 1RM with 2–4 minutes rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–5 sets × 6–12 reps at 65–80% 1RM with 60–120 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–4 sets × 15–20 reps at 50–65% 1RM with 30–60 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Posterior Deltoid) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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