Lever Bent Over Row

Also known as: bent over lever row, machine bent over row, bent over machine row

Intermediate

Upper Back

Barbell

Lever Bent Over Row is a step up once the basics feel easy and pairs well with a heavy row.

How to do Lever Bent Over Row

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Bend forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and chest up.
Pull the barbell towards your lower chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

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Lever Bent Over Row Sets and Reps by Goal

Strength

4 sets of 4-6 reps with 3 minutes of rest. Reset the bar between reps rather than bouncing.

Hypertrophy

4 sets of 8-12 reps with 75-90 seconds of rest. Take the smallest plate jump available once the reps are clean.

Endurance

3 sets of 15-20 reps with 45 seconds of rest. Keep a rep or two in reserve on the heaviest sets.

Common Lever Bent Over Row Mistakes

Gripping off-centre so one side carries more load

Set both hands on matching knurl marks before each set.

Using body english to move weight the back cannot

Lock the torso angle and let only the arms travel.

Easier and Harder Than Lever Bent Over Row

Easier progression

Smith Narrow Row

Harder progression

Suspended Row

Swap Lever Bent Over Row For

Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row

Cable One Arm Straight Back High Row (kneeling)

Band One Arm Standing Low Row

Lever Bent Over Row — Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do the Lever Bent Over Row?

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Bend forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and chest up. Use a barbell and keep the movement controlled through the full range. The animated GIF above shows the complete rep at normal speed.

What muscles does the Lever Bent Over Row work?

The Lever Bent Over Row primarily targets the upper back. It is classified as a back exercise and is performed with a barbell.

How many sets and reps of the Lever Bent Over Row should I do?

For muscle growth: 4 sets of 8-12 reps with 75-90 seconds of rest. Take the smallest plate jump available once the reps are clean. Adjust the load rather than the rep target if form breaks down before the final rep.

Is the Lever Bent Over Row good for beginners?

It is an intermediate movement. You will get more out of it once you can already perform the basic back patterns with controlled form. Beginners can still use it with light load and close attention to technique.

What can I do instead of the Lever Bent Over Row?

Try the Kettlebell Alternating Renegade Row, Cable One Arm Straight Back High Row (kneeling) or the Band One Arm Standing Low Row. Each trains the upper back with a similar movement pattern, so you can swap based on the equipment you have available.

Is the Lever Bent Over Row the same as the bent over lever row?

Yes. The Lever Bent Over Row is also commonly called the bent over lever row or the machine bent over row. Different gyms and training programs label it differently, but "bent over lever row" and "machine bent over row" refer to this same movement.