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Exercise Guide

How to do cable rear delt row

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

The cable rear delt row is a specialized movement targeting the posterior deltoids and upper back muscles. By using a cable machine, you maintain constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, which is difficult to achieve with free weights. This exercise is crucial for developing well-rounded shoulders, improving posture, and counteracting the forward-leaning tendencies often caused by heavy chest and front-side training.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine & Attachment: Position the pulley on a low to mid setting (around chest height). Attach a rope handle, V-bar, or straight bar.
  2. Stance & Grip: Stand facing the machine, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Grasp the attachment with an overhand grip (palms facing down) about shoulder-width or slightly wider.
  3. Body Position: Hinge forward slightly from your hips, keeping your back flat and core engaged. Your arms should be extended in front of you, creating tension in the cable.

The Lift:

  1. Pull Toward You: Exhale and pull the handle towards your torso, leading with your elbows. Keep your elbows high and pointed outward.
  2. Squeeze Shoulder Blades: Focus on contracting your rear deltoids and upper back muscles. Briefly hold the contraction.
  3. Controlled Release: Inhale and slowly return your arms to the starting position, resisting the cable's pull. Avoid letting your shoulders round forward.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows high and wide as you pull for maximum rear delt activation.
  • Focus on the Back: Concentrate on pulling with your back muscles, not just your arms.
  • Variations: Experiment with different attachments and grips for variety. A rope attachment allows for greater external rotation of the shoulders, which can increase rear delt activation.

Common mistakes: Pulling the weight with the biceps rather than the rear deltoids, shrugging the shoulders upward, and pulling the cable too low toward the waist.

Alternatives

Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly(parallel grip)

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable crossover reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable seated rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Cable

cable standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Resistance Band

resistance band kneeling face pull

Rear Shoulder
Dumbbell

dumbbell rear delt raise

Rear ShoulderTraps
Squat Rack

band standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder