Best Back Workouts With Weight Machines For Men
About
Weight machines are equipped to target specific movements, providing stability and ensuring proper motion execution.
Their controlled design enables users, particularly beginners, to safely learn and engage in exercises while maximizing exertion on targeted muscle groups.
Efficient back workouts often involve movements such as rows, pull-ups, and lat pull-downs, focusing on strengthening pulling motions and complementary shoulder actions.
Outlined exercises cater to generalized preferences among men, adapting reps and weights for average statistics (5'10", 180lbs, 35 years old), with adjustments recommended based on individual capabilities.
Workout 1
Back, Trapezius, Lower Back

Machine Row
15reps45lbs25reps45lbs35reps45lbs45reps45lbs55reps45lbs
Smith Machine Bent Over Row
18reps65lbs28reps65lbs38reps65lbs
Machine Shoulder Shrug
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Smith Machine Shrug
112reps100lbs212reps100lbs
Smith Machine Upright Row
112reps45lbs212reps45lbs312reps45lbs
Seated Back Extension
110reps100lbs210reps100lbs310reps100lbs
Workout 2
Back, Trapezius, Lower Back

Inverted Row
18reps28reps38reps
Assisted Chin Up
111reps-45lbs211reps-45lbs311reps-45lbs
Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug
110reps100lbs210reps100lbs310reps100lbs
Assisted Neutral Grip Pull Up
112reps-45lbs212reps-45lbs
Machine Shoulder Shrug
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Seated Back Extension
110reps100lbs210reps100lbs310reps100lbs
The 12 Best Back Exercises with Weight Machines for Men
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Machine Row
Machine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,784,270Back Strength97 mScoreBack
Row MachineThe Machine Row is a great exercise for working on your back muscles. Using a machine helps you maintain stability and control, making it perfect for beginners to practice the seated row technique.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the row machine with your chest against the support pad.
- Grab the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
- Tighten your core to keep your back straight.
- Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps55lbs28reps55lbs38reps55lbs2. Smith Machine Bent Over Row
Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED865,614Back Strength87 mScoreBack
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Bent Over Row is an exercise that targets the back muscles using a Smith Machine for added stability. It helps beginners improve their form and strength while performing the row movement.
How to do it
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bar at knee height.
- Engage your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to reach for the bar.
- Grab the bar with palms facing you.
- Lift the bar by bending your elbows to bring it to your belly button level.
- Lower the bar back to knee height and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps55lbs28reps55lbs38reps55lbs3. Seated Back Extension
Seated Back Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,071,881Lower Back Strength98 mScoreLower Back
Back Extension MachineThe Seated Back Extension machine strengthens your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings safely. It helps improve posture and stability while allowing you to adjust resistance for your level.
How to do it
- Sit upright in the back extension machine with your feet on the footrests.
- Position the pad below your shoulder blades and hold the handles with palms facing in.
- Tighten your core to keep your back straight as you lean back and lower the pad in a smooth arc.
- Extend your hips until your torso is in line with your thighs, then return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps105lbs28reps105lbs38reps105lbs4. Inverted Row
Inverted Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED318,451Back Strength85 mScoreBack
Barbells
Smith MachineThe Inverted Row is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back while keeping your spine straight. It’s similar to a standard row but allows you to use your own body weight for added stability and support.
How to do it
- Set a barbell at waist height.
- Grab the bar with both hands, slightly wider than your shoulders.
- Lie under the bar, keeping your body straight from your heels to your shoulders.
- Lift your body by bending your elbows and pulling your chest towards the bar.
- Lower yourself back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight17reps27reps37reps47reps5. Assisted Chin Up
Assisted Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED337,550Back Strength35 mScoreBack
Assisted Weight MachineThe Assisted Chin Up is a strength exercise that focuses on your back muscles. This variation uses a counterweight, making it easier to lift yourself towards the bar as you build strength for regular Chin Ups.
How to do it
- Use the assisted pull-up machine and place your knees on the pad.
- Grip the pull-up bar with your palms facing you.
- Engage your core and keep your body straight from shoulders to knees.
- Pull your chest towards the bar by bending your elbows down.
- Lower yourself back down slowly to the starting position.
6. Assisted Neutral Grip Pull Up
Assisted Neutral Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED172,149Back Strength41 mScoreBack
Assisted Weight MachineThe Assisted Neutral Grip Pull Up is a beginner-friendly exercise that helps strengthen your back and arms. Using a neutral grip (palms facing each other) is more comfortable for your shoulders and allows you to gradually build strength to perform unassisted pull-ups.
How to do it
- Set your knees on the pad of the assisted pull-up machine.
- Grab the neutral grip bar with your palms facing each other.
- Engage your core to keep your body straight.
- Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows down.
- Lower yourself back down slowly to the starting position.
7. Assisted Pull Up
Assisted Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED720,994Back Strength40 mScoreBack
Assisted Weight MachineThe Assisted Pull Up is an easier version of the standard Pull Up that helps strengthen your back, shoulders, and biceps. Using assistance, like a counterweight or resistance band, allows you to lift less of your body weight, making it perfect for beginners aiming to build strength for full Pull Ups.
How to do it
- Adjust the assisted pull-up machine to your height.
- Kneel on the machine pad and grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing forward.
- Engage your core to keep your body straight from shoulders to knees.
- Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
- Lower yourself back down slowly to the starting position.
8. Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up
Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED171,928Back Strength75 mScoreBack
Assisted Weight MachineThe Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up is a beginner-friendly exercise that strengthens your back muscles, particularly the lats. By using assistance, you can perform this exercise more easily while preparing for unassisted pull-ups. The wide grip helps focus on your back while minimizing bicep use.
How to do it
- Adjust the machine so you can place your knees on the assistance pad.
- Grab the pull-up handles with your palms facing away from you, in a wide grip.
- Pull your head up above the handles by bending your elbows, keeping your body straight.
- Lower yourself back down to starting position in a controlled manner.
9. Machine Shoulder Shrug
Machine Shoulder Shrug demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED94,471Trapezius Strength15 mScoreTrapezius
Shoulder Shrug MachineThe Machine Shoulder Shrug is a simple exercise that strengthens the trapezius muscles, which are located in your upper back. This beginner-friendly exercise supports your body and minimizes stress on other muscles while you focus on the shrugging motion.
How to do it
- Stand upright in the shrug machine with handles at knee height.
- Brace your core and grip the handles with palms facing in.
- Keep your chest out and shoulders back while lifting your shoulders towards your ears.
- Lower your shoulders back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps75lbs28reps75lbs38reps75lbs10. Smith Machine Shrug
Smith Machine Shrug demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED276,643Trapezius Strength96 mScoreTrapezius
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Shrug is a shoulder exercise that helps build strength in the trapezius muscles. Using a Smith machine provides stability, allowing you to focus on your form and effectively target the muscles.
How to do it
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and the Smith machine bar at mid-thigh height.
- Grip the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and keep your arms extended. Bend your knees slightly.
- Unhook the bar and engage your core to keep a straight back.
- Lift your shoulders up towards your ears while keeping your chest out.
- Lower your shoulders back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps75lbs28reps75lbs38reps75lbs11. Smith Machine Upright Row
Smith Machine Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED196,556Trapezius Strength7 mScoreTrapezius
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Upright Row is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper body. Using the Smith Machine helps you maintain good form and reduce the risk of injury.
How to do it
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the Smith Machine bar with extended arms, resting it on your thighs.
- Keep the bar close to your body and lift it by bending your elbows toward the ceiling.
- Maintain a neutral spine during the movement.
- Lift the bar to chest height, then lower it back to your thighs.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps50lbs28reps50lbs38reps50lbs12. Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug
Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED127,074Trapezius Strength94 mScoreTrapezius
Smith MachineThe Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug is an exercise that targets the upper traps and rear deltoids by using a barbell positioned behind your body. It helps improve shoulder strength while providing stability to lift heavier weights safely.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and set the bar on the Smith machine at mid-thigh height.
- Reach behind you to grab the bar with both hands, keeping your arms straight and palms facing behind you.
- Unhook the bar and stand up straight while tightening your core to maintain good posture.
- Lift your shoulders towards your ears, keeping your chest up and shoulders back.
- Lower your shoulders back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps70lbs28reps70lbs38reps70lbs
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