NSCF Certified Personal Trainer Practice Exam

In the seated row exercise, retracting the scapula is essential for effectively targeting the rhomboids. The rhomboids, which are situated between the shoulder blades, play a critical role in maneuvers that involve pulling and scapular retraction. When a person pulls the handles towards their torso in a seated row, the movement emphasizes the retraction of the scapula, allowing the rhomboids to contract and shorten, thus facilitating muscle engagement and strengthening.

This muscle group works in conjunction with the trapezius, which assists in scapular movement, but the primary focus of retraction is specifically on the rhomboids. Proper form, including scapular retraction during the exercise, ensures that these muscles are effectively trained and contributes to overall upper back strength, posture improvement, and shoulder stability.

Understanding this muscle engagement is crucial for personal trainers to guide their clients in performing the exercise correctly and effectively, ensuring they achieve their training goals while minimizing the risk of injury.