Exercise Comparison
Alternating Kettlebell Row vs Leverage High Row
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternating Kettlebell Row
Instructions
Alternating Kettlebell Row
Place two kettlebells in front of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and push your butt out as much as possible. As you bend over to get into the starting position grab both kettlebells by the handles.
Pull one kettlebell off of the floor while holding on to the other kettlebell. Retract the shoulder blade of the working side, as you flex the elbow, drawing the kettlebell towards your stomach or rib cage.
Lower the kettlebell in the working arm and repeat with your other arm.
Leverage High Row
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.
Pull the handles towards your torso, retracting your shoulder blades as you flex the elbow.
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.
Verdict
Both exercises target the middle back. Alternating Kettlebell Row is a intermediate exercise using kettlebells, while Leverage High Row is beginner and uses machine. Choose Leverage High Row if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Alternating Kettlebell Row for a greater challenge. Leverage High Row is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Alternating Kettlebell Row isolates the target muscle for focused development.