The Making of the Scorpius Row: Revolutionizing the Standing Row Machine

You asked, and we listened! For a long time, you’ve been asking for a standing row machine in our Mad Series—and now, it’s finally here!

At KingsBox, we’re all about creating the best gear for you. We don’t just launch new products; we dig deep to make sure every piece fits your body perfectly and helps you get the most from your workouts. That’s especially true for the strength machines in our Mad Series, and it’s what makes them stand out.

So, what was missing from other standing row machines? And how did your feedback inspire us to build something better? Join us behind the scenes to explore the fresh ideas and creative thinking that went into making The Scorpius Row—our new plate-loaded standing row machine.

Identifying the Flaws in Traditional Standing Row Machines

When our Head of Development issued a challenge to create the best standing row machine on the market, Simon stepped up without hesitation. With your feedback in hand and a deep dive into research, he quickly realized that while the classic standing T-bar row is a gym staple, it also comes with some frustrating limitations.

His goal? To design a machine that would activate the same target muscles—the upper and middle back—while solving the most common issues users face with traditional row machines:

• Poor Stability: Surprisingly, many machines on the market lack a proper stability solution, forcing users to struggle with balance during heavy lifts.
• Incorrect Muscle Engagement: Because the movement requires a forward bend without support, muscles like the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings end up carrying too much of the load—taking focus away from the back muscles the exercise is meant to target.
• Non-ideal Load Curve: Resistance distribution is not optimal, making it harder to maintain proper form.

By addressing these issues head-on, Simon set out to create a row machine that wasn’t just functional—but one that made training safer, more effective, and way more enjoyable.

Engineering a Solution: The Birth of the Scorpius Row

With the problems clearly outlined, Simon set to work. The result? The Scorpius Row—a machine that is setting a new standard of what a standing row machine should be:

• Stability First: A large, angled foot platform provides a stable base and optimal positioning to maintain balance throughout the movement.
• Ergonomic Pivot Point: The pivot is strategically placed high in front of the user, promoting a natural posture and smooth, controlled pulling motion.
• Optimal Load Curve: Resistance slightly decreases near the end of the pull, allowing better control even with heavy weights—perfect for maintaining form and maximizing results.
• Versatile Grip Options: Three handle positions—narrow, wide, and extra-wide—let users target different muscle groups and keep workouts varied.

The machine is plate-loaded and compatible with all standard weights, making it easy to customize resistance to your training needs.

Early Feedback Was Resoundingly Positive

Before officially launching the Scorpius Row, we shared it with a select group of trusted customers—experienced athletes and coaches. Their feedback? Unanimously positive.

To quote G. Grom, an IFBB international judge and respected fitness and bodybuilding expert:

“Perfect stretch and contraction with tension throughout the entire movement. Top-notch!”

A Name Inspired by Design and a Little Bit of Fate

After finalizing the design and passing all the tests, the team faced one last task: naming this innovative machine. Simon turned to his girlfriend for inspiration, showing her the final 3D design of the machine. Without missing a beat, she exclaimed, “It’s a Scorpio!”

Simon realized that the angular lines and bold silhouette truly resemble the Scorpius constellation. The name stuck—perfectly capturing the machine’s unique look and strength.

A New Standard in Back Training

The Scorpius Row shows just how much your feedback matters and how it helps us create our machines. We set out to build the best standing row machine on the market—one that fixes all the annoying issues with the usual models. And honestly, we’re really excited for you to try it!

Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out, we hope the Scorpius Row helps you get a better back workout—one that’s safe, comfortable, and efficient.

So, have you tried the Scorpius Row yet, or is it still on your wish list? We’d love to hear what you think! And if you have ideas for our next machine, don’t hesitate to share. In the meantime, be sure to check out the rest of our Mad Series.