Seated Cable Rows
Also known as: seated row, cable row, seated cable row, low cable row, horizontal row, cable low seated row, cable rope seated row
Seated Cable Rows is a compound exercise for the middle back. Main target: middle back. Also works: lower lats, biceps short head, rhomboids and posterior deltoid. Equipment: cable.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- For this exercise you will need access to a low pulley row machine with a V-bar. Note: The V-bar will enable you to have a neutral grip where the palms of your hands face each other. To get into the starting position, first sit down on the machine and place your feet on the front platform or crossbar provided making sure that your knees are slightly bent and not locked.
- Lean over as you keep the natural alignment of your back and grab the V-bar handles.
- With your arms extended pull back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs. Your back should be slightly arched and your chest should be sticking out. You should be feeling a nice stretch on your lats as you hold the bar in front of you. This is the starting position of the exercise.
- Keeping the torso stationary, pull the handles back towards your torso while keeping the arms close to it until you touch the abdominals. Breathe out as you perform that movement. At that point you should be squeezing your back muscles hard. Hold that contraction for a second and slowly go back to the original position while breathing in.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Common mistakes
- Rocking the torso back and forth instead of working the back.
- Shoulders shrugging up toward the ears at the end of the pull.
Tips
- Keep the torso still, pull the handle to your stomach, squeeze the shoulder blades at the end.
Used in these programs
Four sessions a week: two upper-body and two lower-body days, one heavy and one higher-rep in each pair.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · Gym4-Day Bodybuilding SplitFour days: chest and triceps, back and biceps, legs, shoulders and abs. More exercises per muscle than a 3-day split.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · Gym3-Day Full Body Workout for BeginnersThe whole body in every session, three times a week, three different days. Simple free-weight and machine exercises.
Beginner · 3 times a week · Gym2-Day Full Body WorkoutTwo full-body sessions a week for when time is short. Compound lifts and a few more sets each.
Beginner · 2 times a week · GymBeginner Gym Machine WorkoutOne full-body workout on machines only: a guided path, simple setup, safe to start without a coach.
Beginner · 3 times a week · Gym3-Day Gym Workout Plan for WomenThree sessions a week with a glute and leg focus plus an upper-body day — for strength and a toned look.
Beginner · 3 times a week · GymGym Fat Loss Plan: Strength Circuits + CardioThree sessions a week: a full-body strength circuit and 15–20 minutes of cardio at the end. Keeps muscle while fat comes off.
Beginner · 3 times a week · GymBack Workout at the GymWidth and thickness: pull-ups, barbell rows, lat pulldowns, cable rows and back extensions.
Intermediate · once a week · GymSimilar exercises
Alternatives with other equipment
