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Exercise Guide

How to do cable low seated row

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The cable low seated row is a highly effective back exercise that targets the middle and lower latissimus dorsi. Using a cable machine provides constant resistance throughout the pull, allowing for a deep stretch and a powerful contraction at the peak. This movement is excellent for building back thickness and improving posture, as it encourages the retraction of the shoulder blades and strengthens the spine.

Stats

TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Row Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine: Set the cable pulley to the lowest position.
  2. Attachment: Attach a V-bar, rope handle, or straight bar to the low pulley.
  3. Seated Position: Sit on the bench or floor facing the machine. Adjust the seat height if needed, so the cable is slightly above knee level.
  4. Grip: Grasp the attachment with an overhand or underhand grip, depending on your preference.
  5. Body Position: Lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight, chest up, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Pull the attachment towards your lower abdomen while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your elbows close to your body and your back straight.
  2. Squeeze and Hold: Pause briefly at the end of the pull, feeling the contraction in your back muscles.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows close to your body as you pull the attachment.
  • Focus on the Back: Think about using your back muscles to lift the weight, not just your arms.
  • Variation: You can try different attachments and grips to target different areas of your back.

Common mistakes: Rounding the lower back, using the torso to rock back and forth for momentum, and not fully retracting the scapula.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

Back
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown(wide bar)

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown behind the neck

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

chin ups narrow parallel grip

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

pull up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable one arm lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Pull Up Bar

close grip chin up

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable seated row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
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)

BackBiceps+1
Bench

dumbbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Front Pulldown

machine front pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm row(with support)

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell chest supported row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

t-bar row(v-grip)

BackBiceps+1
Landmine

t-bar row

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

cable wide grip behind neck pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Low Row Machine

machine low row

BackBiceps+1
Barbell

barbell reverse grip supported row

BackBiceps+1
Pulldown Machine

machine lateral pulldown

BackBiceps+1
Lat Pulldown

lat pulldown reverse close grip

BackBiceps+1
High Row Machine

machine high row

BackBiceps+1
Row Cable

cable low seated row

BackBiceps+1
Seated Row Machine

machine seated row

BackBiceps+1
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)

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring high suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

BackRear Shoulder+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

BackBiceps+1
Rings

ring suspended row

BackBiceps+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell pull over

BackChest+2
Resistance Band

band seated row

BackBiceps+1
Rowing Machine

rowing on rowing machine

BackQuads+2