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Best Chest And Back Workouts With Weight Machines To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This workout consists of utilizing weight machines to target the chest and back muscle groups.

Machines provide stability and controlled movement patterns, making them effective for both beginners and experienced individuals.

The workout focuses on movements that engage the pectoral muscles through presses and flys and the upper back muscles through pulling exercises such as rows and pulldowns.

Designed to promote fat burning and maintain muscle mass, this routine incorporates low weight with higher repetitions while keeping your heart rate elevated.

By training the chest and back together, you address complementary push and pull dynamics, ensuring a balanced and effective session.

The 12 Best Chest and Back Exercises with Weight Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Machine Bench Press

    Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,758,222
    Chest Strength
    68 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Bench Press Machine
    Bench Press Machine

    The Machine Bench Press is a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It uses a fixed range of motion, making it easier to focus on pushing rather than balancing.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the machine with your shoulders squeezed together and feet flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure your back is in contact with the machine all the way from your head to your butt.
    3. Hold the handles with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles up until your arms are fully extended at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 2. Machine Fly

    Machine Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,127,998
    Chest Strength
    97 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Fly Machine
    Fly Machine

    The Machine Fly is an exercise that targets your chest and works your shoulders. It uses a machine for stability, making it easier for beginners to learn the movement safely and effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the fly machine with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart.
    2. Ensure your back is against the pad, keeping contact with your head, shoulders, and butt.
    3. Engage your core to maintain a neutral spine position.
    4. Hold the handles with palms facing forward.
    5. With slightly bent elbows, move your arms in a wide arc to bring the handles together.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 3. Inverted Row

    Inverted Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    318,451
    Back Strength
    85 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The 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

    1. Set a barbell at waist height.
    2. Grab the bar with both hands, slightly wider than your shoulders.
    3. Lie under the bar, keeping your body straight from your heels to your shoulders.
    4. Lift your body by bending your elbows and pulling your chest towards the bar.
    5. Lower yourself back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
    4
    7reps
  • 4. Machine Row

    Machine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,784,270
    Back Strength
    97 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Row Machine
    Row Machine

    The 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

    1. Sit upright in the row machine with your chest against the support pad.
    2. Grab the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
    3. Tighten your core to keep your back straight.
    4. Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 5. Smith Machine Bench Press

    Smith Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    922,042
    Chest Strength
    66 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Bench Press is a chest exercise that works your triceps and shoulders too. The Smith Machine helps keep the movement steady, making it easier to focus on properly performing the exercise.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together.
    2. Make sure your head, shoulders, and butt stay on the bench.
    3. Place your feet flat on the ground and keep your knees bent.
    4. Position the bar over your chest, holding it just outside shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    5. Engage your core and unhook the bar, lowering it slowly towards your chest while keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    6. Touch your chest gently with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 6. Smith Machine Bent Over Row

    Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    865,614
    Back Strength
    87 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The 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

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bar at knee height.
    2. Engage your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to reach for the bar.
    3. Grab the bar with palms facing you.
    4. Lift the bar by bending your elbows to bring it to your belly button level.
    5. Lower the bar back to knee height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 7. Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

    Smith Machine Incline Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    747,394
    Chest Strength
    92 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is a chest exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability, making it ideal for beginners who want to focus on their form and strength without worrying about balance.

    How to do it

    1. Set the bench at a 40-60 degree incline and lie back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    2. Plant your feet firmly on the ground beneath your knees and keep your back in contact with the bench.
    3. Position the Smith machine bar over your chest with a shoulder-width grip and keep your core tight.
    4. Unhook the bar and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Touch the bar gently to your chest, then press it back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 8. Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up

    Assisted Wide Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    171,928
    Back Strength
    75 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Assisted Weight Machine
    Assisted Weight Machine

    The 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

    1. Adjust the machine so you can place your knees on the assistance pad.
    2. Grab the pull-up handles with your palms facing away from you, in a wide grip.
    3. Pull your head up above the handles by bending your elbows, keeping your body straight.
    4. Lower yourself back down to starting position in a controlled manner.
  • 9. Assisted Chin Up

    Assisted Chin Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    337,550
    Back Strength
    35 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Assisted Weight Machine
    Assisted Weight Machine

    The 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

    1. Use the assisted pull-up machine and place your knees on the pad.
    2. Grip the pull-up bar with your palms facing you.
    3. Engage your core and keep your body straight from shoulders to knees.
    4. Pull your chest towards the bar by bending your elbows down.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly to the starting position.
  • 10. Assisted Neutral Grip Pull Up

    Assisted Neutral Grip Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    172,149
    Back Strength
    41 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Assisted Weight Machine
    Assisted Weight Machine

    The 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

    1. Set your knees on the pad of the assisted pull-up machine.
    2. Grab the neutral grip bar with your palms facing each other.
    3. Engage your core to keep your body straight.
    4. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows down.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly to the starting position.
  • 11. Assisted Pull Up

    Assisted Pull Up demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    720,994
    Back Strength
    40 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Assisted Weight Machine
    Assisted Weight Machine

    The 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

    1. Adjust the assisted pull-up machine to your height.
    2. Kneel on the machine pad and grab the pull-up bar with your palms facing forward.
    3. Engage your core to keep your body straight from shoulders to knees.
    4. Pull your chest up towards the bar by bending your elbows.
    5. Lower yourself back down slowly to the starting position.
  • 12. Smith Machine Decline Press

    Smith Machine Decline Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    121,517
    Chest Strength
    87 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Decline Bench
    Decline Bench

    The Smith Machine Decline Press is a safe exercise that strengthens the lower chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability and support, making it ideal for beginners to practice proper form during their workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Lie back on a decline bench, squeezing your shoulder blades together and securing your legs to the bench.
    2. Keep your head, shoulders, and butt in contact with the bench at all times.
    3. Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    4. Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lightly touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Weight Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Chest and Back Workouts with Weight Machines