The weighted row is a compound exercise that targets several muscles in the upper body, including the latissimus dorsi (lats), trapezius (traps), rhomboids, and erector spinae (back). The lats are the largest muscles in the back and are responsible for pulling the arms down. The traps are located at the top of the shoulders and help to stabilize the weight. The rhomboids are located between the shoulder blades and help to retract (pull together) the shoulder blades. The erector spinae is a group of muscles that runs along either side of the spine from the base of the neck to the pelvis. These muscles work together to extend (straighten) the spine.