Seated Cable Rows

The cable seated row is a popular exercise to train the muscles of the upper back, including the lats (latissimus dorsi), traps, rhomboids, and rear deltoids, using a cable stack. It also targets the biceps to a lesser degree. The cable row can work well in a variety of rep-ranges, but is most popular in muscle-building workouts or as an accessory movement for strength workouts.

Benefits

Constant tension throughout the movement, including at peak contraction
Equipment common in commercial gyms
Easy to quickly switch weights for dropsets or utilize lifting straps to lift heavier
Can use a variety of handles and grip widths to target different parts of the back

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Middle Back
Equipment: Cable
Level: Intermediate

8.8

Average

Seated Cable Rows Images

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Seated Cable Rows Instructions

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.

Caution: Avoid swinging your torso back and forth as you can cause lower back injury by doing so.

Variations:

You can use a straight bar instead of a V-Bar and perform with a pronated grip (palms facing down-forward) or a supinated grip (palms facing up-reverse grip).