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Exercise Guide

How to do cable seated row

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

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.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Row Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seat Position: Sit on the bench facing the cable machine, feet placed on the footrests for stability. Adjust the seat height so the cable is slightly below chest level.
  2. Attachment & Grip: Select a suitable attachment (wide-grip bar, v-bar, or close grip handles) and grasp it with an overhand grip.
  3. Upright posture: Sit tall with a neutral spine, chest lifted, and shoulders back.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: With your core engaged, begin pulling the cable towards your abdomen. Keep your elbows close to your body.
  2. Squeeze your shoulder blades: At the top of the movement, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together for maximum back engagement.
  3. Controlled Extension: Slowly and smoothly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining tension in your back muscles.
  4. Reset: Breathe, reset your posture, and start the next repetition.

Tips:

  • Think of pulling your elbows back: Focus on this cue to engage your back muscles efficiently.
  • Variations: Experiment with different attachments and grip variations for slightly different muscle emphasis.

Common mistakes: Leaning too far back to pull the weight, shrugging the shoulders toward the ears, and not fully extending the arms on the return phase.

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