Back to Library
Exercise Guide
How to do cable seated high row(v-bar)
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
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.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Lat Pulldown
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine & Attachment: Position the pulley on the high setting. Attach a V-bar handle to the cable.
- Seated Position: Sit on the floor or on a low bench facing the machine. Adjust your position so that your arms are fully extended when holding the V-bar, with tension in the cable.
- Grip: Grasp the V-bar handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Body Position: Keep your knees slightly bent, back straight, chest up, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the V-bar towards your upper chest, leading with your elbows. Keep your elbows high and pointed outward.
- Squeeze Shoulder Blades: Focus on contracting your upper back muscles (traps, rhomboids) as you pull the V-bar towards you. Hold the contraction briefly.
- Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the V-bar to the starting position, extending your arms. Resist the cable's pull to maintain tension in your back muscles.
Tips:
- Focus on the Upper Back: Concentrate on using your upper back muscles to pull the V-bar, not just your arms.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows high and wide as you pull for maximum upper back engagement.
- Chest Up: Maintain an upright posture with your chest lifted throughout the movement.
- Control the Movement: Avoid swinging your torso or using momentum. The movement should be smooth and controlled.
Common mistakes: Leaning back too far, shrugging the shoulders toward the ears, and pulling with the biceps instead of the lats.
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