Exercise Guide
How to do a cable low seated row
Master setup, range of motion, and tempo with step-by-step instructions so every rep is more effective and safer.
About cable low seated row
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
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine: Set the cable pulley to the lowest position.
- Attachment: Attach a V-bar, rope handle, or straight bar to the low pulley.
- 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.
- Grip: Grasp the attachment with an overhand or underhand grip, depending on your preference.
- Body Position: Lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight, chest up, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- 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.
- Squeeze and Hold: Pause briefly at the end of the pull, feeling the contraction in your back muscles.
- 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
lat prayer
The lat prayer, also known as the straight arm pulldown, is an isolation movement that targets the latissimus dorsi while minimizing bicep involvement. This exercise is typically performed using a cable machine and focuses on the sweeping motion of the arms. It is particularly effective for improving the mind muscle connection with the lats and providing a deep stretch at the top of the movement.
chin up
The chin up is a powerful upper body pulling exercise that primarily targets the latissimus dorsi and the biceps. By using an underhand grip, you increase the mechanical advantage of the biceps, allowing for significant strength development. It is a fundamental bodyweight movement that improves functional power, back width, and arm size, serving as a true test of relative strength and conditioning.
lat pulldown(wide bar)
The wide bar lat pulldown is a staple back exercise that primarily targets the latissimus dorsi, helping to create a wider, V tapered physique. By using a wide grip, the movement emphasizes the outer portions of the back and engages the rhomboids and traps. It is an excellent alternative to pull ups for building vertical pulling strength and improving posture by strengthening the back.
cable seated one arm row
The cable seated one arm row is a focused back exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and trapezius. Working one arm at a time allows for a greater range of motion and helps correct muscle imbalances between the left and right sides. This unilateral movement also engages the core for stability, ensuring a stronger, more symmetrical back while improving overall pulling power and muscular definition.
chin up
The chin up is a highly effective vertical pulling exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi while placing significant emphasis on the biceps. By using an underhand, shoulder width grip, you engage the pulling muscles of the upper body through a full range of motion. This movement is a staple for building functional strength, improving grip endurance, and developing a well rounded and powerful back.
lat pulldown behind the neck
The lat pulldown behind the neck is a variation of the traditional pulldown that focuses on the upper back and rear deltoids. This movement requires a high degree of shoulder mobility to be performed safely and effectively. When done with proper form and controlled weight, it can help improve the width of the upper back and enhance the overall muscularity of the shoulder girdle.
dumbbell bent over row
The dumbbell bent over row is a versatile compound exercise that builds strength and thickness in the back muscles. By hinging at the hips and pulling the weights toward the waist, you engage the lats, rhomboids, and traps. Using dumbbells allows for a greater range of motion and helps address muscle imbalances between the left and right sides of the body for better symmetry.
chin ups narrow parallel grip
Utilizing a neutral grip with palms facing each other, this pull up variation places significant emphasis on the brachialis and biceps while still heavily engaging the latissimus dorsi. The parallel grip is often easier on the wrists and shoulders than traditional grips. It is a powerful compound movement for building upper body pulling strength and developing a thick, well defined back and arms.
pull up
The pull up is a fundamental upper body bodyweight exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi, biceps, and core. By pulling your chest toward a horizontal bar, you build impressive relative strength and back width. It is considered a benchmark of fitness, requiring significant grip strength and coordination. Regular practice leads to a V tapered physique and enhanced functional pulling ability in daily life.
cable one arm lat pulldown
The cable one arm lat pulldown is a unilateral back exercise that allows for a greater range of motion and better mind muscle connection than the traditional version. By working one side at a time, you can address muscular imbalances and pull deeper into the lat. This movement emphasizes the latissimus dorsi and improves overall back symmetry and stability using smooth cable resistance.
close grip chin up
The close grip chin up is a fundamental bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the latissimus dorsi and the biceps. By bringing your hands closer together and using an underhand grip, you place a significant emphasis on the arms and the lower lats. This movement is essential for developing functional upper body strength, enhancing pulling power, and creating a well defined V taper aesthetic in the back.
lat pulldown
The lat pulldown is a fundamental machine based exercise for developing back width and upper body pulling strength. It primarily targets the latissimus dorsi muscles but also engages the biceps and middle back. By adjusting your grip width and torso angle, you can vary the focus on different areas of the back, making it a highly versatile movement for lifters of all experience levels.
cable seated row
The cable seated row is a fundamental compound exercise for developing back thickness and strength. This movement targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and trapezius muscles. By using a cable machine, you maintain steady tension on the back throughout the pull and release phases. It is highly effective for improving posture and building a strong, muscular upper body for various physical activities.
barbell bent over row
The barbell bent over row is a fundamental compound lift for building a thick, powerful back. By hinging at the hips and pulling the weight toward your lower chest, you engage the lats, traps, and rhomboids simultaneously. This exercise also challenges your core and lower back stability, making it a cornerstone for overall posterior chain development and increasing pulling strength for various athletic endeavors.
cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)
The cable straight arm pulldown with a rope is an isolation movement designed to target the lats without involving the biceps. By keeping the arms straight and pulling the rope to the thighs, you isolate the back muscles through a large range of motion. The rope attachment allows for a greater contraction at the bottom, making it a favorite for pre exhausting the back or as a finisher.
cable straight arm pulldown(bar)
This isolation exercise targets the latissimus dorsi while minimizing bicep involvement. By maintaining straight arms and pulling a bar from overhead to your thighs, you engage the back and serratus anterior. It is an excellent finisher for back workouts, helping to improve mind muscle connection and shoulder stability while providing a deep stretch and consistent tension throughout the entire movement.
barbell underhand bent over row
The barbell underhand bent over row is a compound back exercise that uses a supinated grip to involve the biceps more heavily. This variation targets the lower lats and mid back effectively while allowing for significant weight to be moved. It is a great exercise for building a thick, powerful back and improving overall pulling strength for various athletic endeavors.
cable seated high row(v-bar)
The cable seated high row using a v bar is an effective upper back exercise that emphasizes the rhomboids, middle trapezius, and latissimus dorsi. Pulling from a high angle allows for a unique stretch and contraction, promoting better posture and back thickness. The neutral v bar grip focuses the effort on the inner back muscles, helping to create a well defined and powerful physique.
dumbbell chest supported row
The dumbbell chest supported row is an excellent isolation movement for the upper back and lats. By resting your chest on an incline bench, you eliminate the ability to use momentum or cheat with your lower back. This ensures that the primary movers do all the work, leading to better muscle activation, improved posture, and a thicker, more detailed back development.
machine front pulldown
The machine front pulldown is a controlled isolation exercise designed to target the latissimus dorsi and upper back. The guided motion of the machine helps maintain proper form and allows you to focus purely on the mind muscle connection without the stability requirements of a pull up. It is an excellent choice for building back width and strength, suitable for beginners and advanced lifters seeking high volume hypertrophy.
dumbbell one arm row(with support)
The dumbbell one arm row with support is a classic back exercise that isolates the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids. By supporting your body on a bench or rack, you stabilize your torso, allowing you to lift heavier weights with better focus on the target muscle. This unilateral movement helps correct strength imbalances and improves pulling mechanics, contributing to a thicker, more symmetrical and powerful upper back.
barbell chest supported row
The barbell chest supported row is a superior back exercise for isolating the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids without putting excessive strain on the lower back. By lying prone on an inclined bench, you effectively eliminate the use of momentum and leg drive. This ensures that your back muscles do all the work, leading to better muscle contraction and improved postural strength.
t-bar row(v-grip)
The T bar row using a V grip handle is a heavy compound movement that targets the middle back, traps, and latissimus dorsi. The neutral grip allowed by the V handle permits a greater range of motion and often allows for heavier loading. This exercise is excellent for building back thickness and overall pulling power, provided you maintain a flat back and core engagement.
t-bar row
The T bar row is a classic back building compound exercise that targets the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and middle traps. By pulling a weighted barbell that is anchored at one end, you can move heavy weight in a controlled arc. This movement is essential for developing back thickness and strength, and it provides a unique angle of pull compared to standard barbell or dumbbell rows.
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
A variation of the traditional lat pulldown, this movement involves pulling the wide bar down toward the base of the neck. It emphasizes the upper lats, rhomboids, and rear deltoids. While it requires significant shoulder mobility, when performed with controlled form, it helps develop back width and thickness. It is important to avoid excessive weight to protect the rotator cuffs during the pull.
machine low row
The machine low row is designed to target the middle and lower latissimus dorsi, as well as the rhomboids. By sitting in a fixed position, you can focus entirely on the pulling motion and scapular retraction without worrying about balance. This makes it an ideal exercise for building back thickness and improving posture, providing a controlled environment for lifting heavier weights safely.
barbell reverse grip supported row
The barbell reverse grip supported row focuses on the lats, rhomboids, and biceps. Using a bench for support significantly reduces lower back strain. The reverse grip shifts the emphasis towards the lower lats and increases bicep engagement. It is a powerful compound movement for building a thicker, more detailed back while ensuring stability during the lift, making it suitable for various fitness levels.
machine lateral pulldown
The machine lateral pulldown is a staple for building back width and strength, focusing primarily on the latissimus dorsi. The machine provides a guided path, ensuring stability and allowing the lifter to focus entirely on the contraction of the back muscles. It is an excellent alternative to pull ups for those developing strength or for experienced athletes looking to add volume to routines.
lat pulldown reverse close grip
The lat pulldown with a reverse close grip is a variation that uses an underhand grip with hands positioned closer together. This shift increases the involvement of the biceps and the lower fibers of the latissimus dorsi. It allows for a greater stretch at the top and a more intense contraction at the bottom, making it an excellent exercise for building back thickness.
machine high row
The machine high row is a fantastic movement for targeting the upper lats and rhomboids from a unique vertical angle. The machine provides a stabilized path, allowing you to focus entirely on the contraction of the back muscles. This exercise helps build back width and thickness while reducing the risk of injury compared to free weight variations, making it a great addition to any back routine.
cable low seated row
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.
machine seated row
The machine seated row is a fundamental exercise for developing the muscles of the mid back, including the rhomboids and traps. By sitting in a fixed position, you can focus purely on pulling the weight and retracting your shoulder blades. This machine variation minimizes the involvement of the lower back, allowing for a safer way to move heavy loads and build significant back thickness and strength over time.
cable pulldown(v-bar)
The cable pulldown with a V bar attachment utilizes a narrow, neutral grip to target the lower latissimus dorsi and the middle of the back. This grip allows for a deeper stretch and a powerful contraction at the bottom of the movement. It is a highly effective variation for adding thickness to the back and improving vertical pulling strength while reducing strain on the wrists and shoulders.
sliding floor pulldown on towel
The sliding floor pulldown is a unique bodyweight exercise designed to target the lats and upper back without a pull up bar. By lying face down on a smooth floor and using a towel to pull your body forward, you simulate a vertical pulling motion. This exercise is perfect for home workouts, focusing on shoulder mobility, core stability, and intense back muscle engagement.
superman row with towel
The superman row with towel is a bodyweight exercise that combines lower back extension with an upper back pulling motion. While lying face down, you lift your chest and legs off the floor while pulling a towel toward your chest. This movement targets the erector spinae, traps, and rhomboids, making it an excellent exercise for improving posture and strengthening the entire posterior chain.
cable seated row(rope)
Using a rope attachment for seated rows allows for a greater range of motion and a deeper squeeze in the shoulder blades. This exercise targets the middle back, including the rhomboids and traps, while also engaging the rear deltoids. The neutral grip provided by the rope is often more comfortable for the wrists and encourages better retraction of the scapulae during the pull.
ring high suspended row
The ring high suspended row is a challenging upper body pulling exercise using gymnastic rings. The instability of the rings engages the core and smaller stabilizer muscles in the shoulders and back. This movement builds functional strength, improves posture, and enhances grip strength. It allows for a natural range of motion, making it joint friendly while providing a high level of intensity for back development.
inverted row bend knees
The inverted row with bent knees is a foundational pulling exercise that builds upper body strength, particularly in the back and biceps. By bending the knees, you reduce the weight being lifted, making it a more accessible variation of the standard inverted row. It is excellent for developing the pulling power necessary for pull ups while emphasizing scapular retraction and posture.
kettlebell bent over row
The kettlebell bent over row is a fundamental pulling exercise that targets the back, shoulders, and arms. Using a kettlebell allows for a slightly different grip and range of motion compared to a dumbbell. This movement is essential for building a strong upper back, improving posture, and enhancing grip strength while maintaining core stability throughout the exercise.
ring suspended row
The ring suspended row is a challenging bodyweight exercise that builds incredible back strength and core stability. Because the rings are unstable, your stabilizing muscles must work overtime to maintain balance. This movement targets the rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, and rear deltoids while allowing for a natural range of motion in the wrists, making it easier on the joints compared to fixed bar variations.
dumbbell pull over
The dumbbell pullover is a classic movement that bridges the gap between chest and back training. It targets the pectorals, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior simultaneously. By moving the weight in an arc over the head, it provides a unique stretch to the ribcage and upper body muscles, aiding in overall upper body expansion, flexibility, and muscle development across multiple groups.
band seated row
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.
rowing on rowing machine
Rowing on a machine is a comprehensive full body cardiovascular exercise that engages approximately eighty five percent of the body muscles. It provides a low impact workout that improves heart health, endurance, and muscular strength in the legs, back, and arms. The rhythmic nature of the movement makes it an excellent choice for burning calories and improving overall physical conditioning for athletes of all levels.