10 Best Leverage Iso Row Alternatives for Lat Thickness

The Leverage Iso Row is done seated with a machine. Ranked closest by our scoring: Elevated Cable Rows, the Cable Seated Row and the Cable Low Seated Row.

Your gym might have a cable tower, a lever row station, or a pin-loaded high row on the same style of frame as the Leverage Iso Row, and each one points you to a different swap. Elevated Cable Rows is the closest one, keeping the same seated pull on your lats from a cable stack instead of the pins. If a lever machine is what you have instead, the Lever Bent-over Row With V-bar keeps the same pull to your abdomen on its own frame.

Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works

Original Exercise: Leverage Iso Row

Leverage Iso Row
Primary muscle
Lats
Equipment
Machine
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Compound

Secondary muscles: Biceps, Middle Back

How to perform Leverage Iso Row
  1. Load an appropriate weight onto the pins and adjust the seat height so that the handles are at chest level. Grasp the handles with either a neutral or pronated grip. This will be your starting position.
  2. Pull the handles towards your torso, retracting your shoulder blades as you flex the elbow.
  3. Pause at the bottom of the motion, and then slowly return the handles to the starting position. For multiple repetitions, avoid completely returning the weight to the stops to keep tension on the muscles being worked.
Filter Leverage Iso Row alternatives by your equipmentTell us what you have and we'll hide exercises you can't do.

Quick presets

Equipment you can use
20 more equipment types

Sign in to remember your equipment on every page.

Ranked Leverage Iso Row Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Leverage Iso Row on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

  1. Best match
    Elevated Cable Rows

    1. Elevated Cable Rows

    88% match
    • Lats
    • Cable
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    A good swap when you have a cable machine to work with, and it still works the lats.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Get a platform of some sort (it can be an aerobics or calf raise platform) that is around 4-6 inches in height.
    2. Place it on the seat of the cable row machine.
    3. Sit down on the machine and place your feet on the front platform or crossbar provided making sure that your knees are slightly bent and not locked.
    4. Lean over as you keep the natural alignment of your back and grab the V-bar handles.
    5. With your arms extended pull back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs. Your back should be slightly arched and your chest should be sticking out. You should be feeling a nice stretch on your lats as you hold the bar in front of you. This is the starting position of the exercise.
    6. Keeping the torso stationary, pull the handles back towards your torso while keeping the arms close to it until you touch the abdominals. Breathe out as you perform that movement. At that point you should be squeezing your back muscles hard. Hold that contraction for a second and slowly go back to the original position while breathing in.
    7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: lats, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Equipment: a cable, not a machine
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  2. Cable Seated RowPlay demonstration

    2. Cable Seated Row

    88% match
    • Lats
    • Cable
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the cable row machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent.
    2. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, keeping your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
    3. Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    4. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the handles back to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: lats, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Equipment: a cable, not a machine
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  3. Leverage High Row

    3. Leverage High Row

    85% match
    • Middle Back
    • Machine
    • Beginner
    • Compound

    A looser match: it uses the same equipment, but it works the middle back rather than the lats.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Load an appropriate weight onto the pins and adjust the seat height so that you can just reach the handles above you. Adjust the knee pad to help keep you down. Grasp the handles with a pronated grip. This will be your starting position.
    2. Pull the handles towards your torso, retracting your shoulder blades as you flex the elbow.
    3. Pause at the bottom of the motion, and then slowly return the handles to the starting position.
    4. For multiple repetitions, avoid completely returning the weight to the stops to keep tension on the muscles being worked.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: middle back, not lats
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  4. Lever High RowPlay demonstration

    4. Lever High Row

    84% match
    • Upper Back
    • Lever
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    A looser match: it works the upper back rather than the lats.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat height and foot platform to a comfortable position.
    2. Sit on the machine with your chest against the pad and your feet flat on the foot platform.
    3. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    4. Keep your back straight and engage your core.
    5. Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    6. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the handles back to the starting position.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: upper back, not lats
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  5. Lever Seated RowPlay demonstration

    5. Lever Seated Row

    84% match
    • Upper Back
    • Lever
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat height and footrests to a comfortable position.
    2. Sit on the machine with your chest against the pad and your feet on the footrests.
    3. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, shoulder-width apart.
    4. Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
    5. Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    6. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement.
    7. Slowly release the handles and return to the starting position.
    8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: upper back, not lats
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  6. Cable Low Seated RowPlay demonstration

    6. Cable Low Seated Row

    83% match
    • Lats
    • Cable
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent.
    2. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, palms facing down.
    3. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows.
    4. Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    5. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the handles back to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: lats, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Equipment: a cable, not a machine
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  7. Cable Seated High Row (V-bar)Play demonstration

    7. Cable Seated High Row (V-bar)

    83% match
    • Lats
    • Cable
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the cable machine with your feet flat on the floor and your knees slightly bent.
    2. Grasp the v-bar attachment with an overhand grip, palms facing each other, and your hands shoulder-width apart.
    3. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward from the hips.
    4. Pull the v-bar towards your torso by retracting your shoulder blades and squeezing your back muscles.
    5. Pause for a moment at the peak of the contraction, then slowly release the tension and return to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: lats, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Equipment: a cable, not a machine
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  8. Lever Narrow Grip Seated RowPlay demonstration

    8. Lever Narrow Grip Seated Row

    81% match
    • Upper Back
    • Lever
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat height and footrests to ensure proper form.
    2. Sit on the machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent.
    3. Grasp the handles with a narrow grip, palms facing each other.
    4. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward.
    5. Pull the handles towards your torso, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    6. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement.
    7. Slowly release the handles and return to the starting position.
    8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: upper back, not lats
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  9. Cable Thibaudeau Kayak RowPlay demonstration

    9. Cable Thibaudeau Kayak Row

    81% match
    • Lats
    • Cable
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Attach a cable handle to a low pulley and sit facing the machine with your feet flat on the floor.
    2. Grasp the handle with your right hand and extend your arm fully, keeping a slight bend in your elbow.
    3. Lean forward from your hips, keeping your back straight and your abs engaged.
    4. Pull the handle towards your torso by retracting your shoulder blade and bending your elbow, keeping your arm close to your body.
    5. Squeeze your back muscles at the top of the movement, then slowly return to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides and perform with your left arm.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: lats, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Equipment: a cable, not a machine
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
  10. Lever Bent-over Row With V-barPlay demonstration

    10. Lever Bent-over Row With V-bar

    80% match
    • Lats
    • Lever
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat height and position yourself facing the machine.
    2. Grasp the v-bar with an overhand grip, keeping your back straight and your knees slightly bent.
    3. Pull the v-bar towards your abdomen, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, then slowly release the weight back to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: lats, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Leverage Iso Row
    • Body position: standing, not seated

Why You Might Need a Leverage Iso Row Alternative

You look for a swap when the Leverage Iso Row's machine is busy or your gym never bought one. Six of them replace it cleanly: Elevated Cable Rows, Cable Seated Row, Cable Low Seated Row, Cable Seated High Row (V-bar) and Cable Thibaudeau Kayak Row all sit at a cable station and keep the same pull to your torso, and Lever Bent-over Row With V-bar does the same from a lever machine. Leverage High Row, Lever High Row and Lever Seated Row change the setup rather than copying it: the Leverage High Row starts with the handles above you, and the two lever rows brace your chest against a pad before you pull. Lever Narrow Grip Seated Row is the same seated pull to your torso with a close, palms-facing grip.

How to Choose the Right Leverage Iso Row Substitute

Choose by the equipment near you. A cable station gives you Elevated Cable Rows first, using a small platform for your own stretch. Cable Seated Row and Cable Low Seated Row sit at the same station too. If only a lever machine is open, take the Lever Bent-over Row With V-bar: you pull the v-bar to your abdomen with your shoulder blades squeezed, the same row bent over. For one arm at a time, the Cable Thibaudeau Kayak Row becomes a one-side pull. Leverage High Row, Lever High Row and Lever Seated Row change the setup: the high row starts with the handles above you, and the two lever rows brace your chest against a pad, unlike the Leverage Iso Row's chest-level handles. Lever Narrow Grip Seated Row keeps the seated pull with a close, palms-facing grip.

Leverage Iso Row FAQ

Can I do Elevated Cable Rows instead of the Leverage Iso Row?

Yes. Elevated Cable Rows keeps you seated and pulling to your torso like the Leverage Iso Row, just from a cable station instead of the machine's pin-loaded arm. You also raise the seat with a small platform first, which gives you a longer stretch before you pull, so expect a different feel at the start of each rep even though the movement stays the same.

What should I do if my gym only has a lever row machine?

Take the Lever Bent-over Row With V-bar. It runs on a lever machine and has you pull the v-bar to your abdomen, so the row is the same even though you stand rather than sit. The Lever Seated Row also runs on a lever machine and keeps you seated with your chest against a pad, and the Lever Narrow Grip Seated Row gives you the same seated pull with a close, palms-facing grip.

Which alternative lets me train one arm at a time?

The Cable Thibaudeau Kayak Row. It sits at a cable station like the other cable rows, but you pull one side through at a time instead of both arms together, then switch sides, which is useful if one side of your back lags behind the other.

Which alternatives change the setup instead of copying the Leverage Iso Row?

Leverage High Row, Lever High Row and Lever Seated Row change how you are set up rather than which muscle you aim at: the high row starts with handles above you, while the two lever rows brace your chest against a pad. Lever Narrow Grip Seated Row keeps the seated pull to your torso with a close, palms-facing grip. Use them when you want the row from a different angle or with your chest braced.

Find Alternatives for Any Exercise

Search the exercise database and filter the ranked substitutes by the equipment you own.

Similarity scores compare exercise metadata such as movement pattern, muscles, equipment and body position. They are not a safety rating or a check that you own the equipment. Learn about our methodology