Physical therapists routinely prescribe the rowing exercise to patients presenting with scapular dysfunction based on the work of Moseley and colleagues (AJSM 1992). In most cases, patients are instructed to perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions when performing this exercise. If you have not yet tried placing an isometric emphasis on the rowing exercise, I would strongly encourage you to do so. Anectdotally, I have found that an isometric row is superior to an isotonic row for improving scapular stability and shoulder function. Generally, I will start with 5, 30 second holds and increase the duration of the hold up to a minute. The isometric row can be performed in either a seated position or in standing provided there is a buttress for the abdominal region to further stabilize the body. Additional research, however, is needed to further compare these two flavors of the row. As I like to tell my patients…holding is healing. I hope you find this exercise to be as much of a game changer as I have.