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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:

  1. 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.
  2. Seated position: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Squeeze your shoulder blades: At the end of the pull, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together for maximum back engagement.
  3. Controlled return: Slowly and smoothly extend your arms back to the starting position, resisting the band's pull. Maintain tension in your back muscles.
  4. 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

Cable

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Pull Up Bar

chin up

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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)

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Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

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Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

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Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

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Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

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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

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Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

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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

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Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

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High Row Machine

machine high row

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Row Cable

cable low seated row

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Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

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Cable

cable pulldown(v-bar)

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None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

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None

superman row with towel

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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

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Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

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Rings

ring suspended row

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Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

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Resistance Band

band seated row

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Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

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