Most people treat gym machines like fixed, one-size-fits-all tools.
But if your client walks in with a pelvis rotated right and a ribcage spun left… you can’t expect symmetry from a setup that doesn’t account for those positions.

In this post, I’ll show you how to modify three common machines - the low cable row, chest press, and leg extension - to support rotational asymmetries, reinforce better mechanics, and build strength that transfers.

Why Rotation Matters in Strength Work

Before we get into the exercises, let’s talk about positioning.

If someone is rotated to the right through their pelvis and left through their ribcage (a common pattern), we need to bring them back toward the left.

That means setting up exercises that:

• Load the left heel and inside edge of the right foot
• Reinforce rotation back to the left during both reach and press phases
• Let the ribcage and scapula move naturally, rather than clamping everything down

These are small changes that can make a big impact.

Prefer to watch?
See the full video breakdown here

1. Low Cable Row (Right Arm with Left Rotation Bias)

This setup allows us to train rotation into the left side while still loading the right arm.

Why it works:

• Right foot forward, left foot back creates a grounded left heel and lets you push through the right foot
• Reaching low improves shoulder flexion without overcompensation
• Rowing from the right encourages the ribcage to rotate back left — especially if the right chest stays planted on the pad

Coaching cues:

• Reach with the right, row without letting the left chest rotate forward
• Inside edge of right foot and outside edge of left heel stay anchored
• Chest stays square as the scapula wraps the ribcage

2. Single-Arm Chest Press (Right Arm with Left Rotation Bias)

We use the same foot position and rotation strategy as in the row, but now apply it to pressing.

Why it works:

• Reinforces a leftward ribcage rotation during a horizontal push
• Tag of the pants stays back on the pad to avoid lumbar extension
• Keeps pressure on the left side of the ribcage — the goal is to press into the pad, not off of it

Coaching cues:

• Right foot forward, left foot back
• Left hand on left thigh to maintain position
• Press across the body while keeping the ribcage rotated left

This setup helps load the right side while still improving rotation and position on the left.

3. Single-Leg Leg Extension (Left Leg, Left Rotation Bias)

This is a great way to build quad strength and reinforce pelvic rotation at the same time.

Why it works:

• Pulling up on the handle grounds the left sit bone into the pad
• Grabbing the outside of the left thigh with the right hand creates left rotation through the torso
• Left leg steps wide to reinforce rotation and maintain the pelvis turn
  
  

Coaching cues:

• Keep the left sit bone grounded by pulling the handle up
• Press through the inside quad - you should feel more activity on the adductors and medial quad
• Don’t let the right side dominate or rotate forward

Final Thoughts

Machines can be powerful tools - when used with intention.
Rather than abandoning machines for floor-based corrective work, think about how you can modify positions and constraints to get better outcomes.

• Anchor the right areas (heel, foot, sit bone)
• Use rotation to open the pelvis and upper back
• Train both sides, but bias the one that needs more access

If your client has a right pelvis/left ribcage rotation pattern, these setups will help restore that balance without sacrificing load or strength development.

Watch the full video break down here.

And if you're looking for a full program that integrates these principles into a 12-week progressive plan, check out the Rebuild Blueprint.