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Exercise Guide
How to do band seated row
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The band seated row is an excellent horizontal pulling exercise that targets the middle back, rhomboids, and traps. By using resistance bands, you experience a unique strength curve where the tension increases as you pull closer to your body. This makes it a great choice for improving posture, developing back thickness, and maintaining joint health without the need for heavy gym equipment or machines.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Resistance Band
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Anchor the band: Securely loop the band around a sturdy object like a pole, bedpost, or heavy piece of furniture. Ensure it's stable and won't move during the exercise.
- Seated position: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
- Grip: Grasp one end of the band in each hand with an overhand grip (palms facing down). Keep your arms extended in front of you.
The Lift:
- Initiate the pull: Keeping your back straight and core engaged, pull the band towards your lower abdomen. Your elbows should move close to your body as you pull.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades: At the end of the pull, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together for maximum back engagement.
- Controlled return: Slowly and smoothly extend your arms back to the starting position, resisting the band's pull. Maintain tension in your back muscles.
- Repeat: Perform the desired number of repetitions.
Tips:
- Imagine pulling your elbows back: Focus on this cue to engage your back muscles efficiently.
- Chest up: Keep your chest lifted and avoid hunching your shoulders.
- Breathe: Exhale as you pull the band, inhale as you release.
Variations:
- Foot-anchored row: Sit with your legs extended and loop the band around the soles of your feet.
- Single-arm row: Use one end of the band and perform the row with one arm at a time.
Common mistakes: Shrugging the shoulders up toward the ears and rounded the lower back while sitting.
Alternatives
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown(wide bar)
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Row Cable
cable seated one arm row
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Pull Up Bar
chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown behind the neck
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Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
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Pull Up Bar
chin ups narrow parallel grip
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Pull Up Bar
pull up
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Lat Pulldown
cable one arm lat pulldown
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Pull Up Bar
close grip chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown
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Row Cable
cable seated row
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Barbell
barbell bent over row
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Cable
cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)
BackRear Shoulder
Cable
cable straight arm pulldown(bar)
BackRear Shoulder
Barbell
barbell underhand bent over row
BackBiceps
Lat Pulldown
cable seated high row(v-bar)
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Bench
dumbbell chest supported row
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Front Pulldown
machine front pulldown
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Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm row(with support)
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Barbell
barbell chest supported row
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Barbell
t-bar row(v-grip)
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Landmine
t-bar row
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Lat Pulldown
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine
machine low row
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Barbell
barbell reverse grip supported row
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Pulldown Machine
machine lateral pulldown
BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown reverse close grip
BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine
machine high row
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Row Cable
cable low seated row
BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine
machine seated row
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Cable
cable pulldown(v-bar)
BackRear Shoulder
None
sliding floor pulldown on towel
BackBiceps
None
superman row with towel
BackBiceps
Row Cable
cable seated row(rope)
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Rings
ring high suspended row
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Squat Rack
inverted row bend knees
BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell
kettlebell bent over row
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Rings
ring suspended row
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Dumbbell
dumbbell pull over
BackChest+2
Resistance Band
band seated row
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Rowing Machine
rowing on rowing machine
BackQuads+2