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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:
- 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.
- Attachment & Grip: Select a suitable attachment (wide-grip bar, v-bar, or close grip handles) and grasp it with an overhand grip.
- Upright posture: Sit tall with a neutral spine, chest lifted, and shoulders back.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Pull: With your core engaged, begin pulling the cable towards your abdomen. Keep your elbows close to your body.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades: At the top of the movement, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together for maximum back engagement.
- Controlled Extension: Slowly and smoothly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining tension in your back muscles.
- 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
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Row Cable
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Pull Up Bar
chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown behind the neck
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Dumbbell
dumbbell bent over row
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Pull Up Bar
chin ups narrow parallel grip
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Pull Up Bar
pull up
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Lat Pulldown
cable one arm lat pulldown
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Pull Up Bar
close grip chin up
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown
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Row Cable
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Barbell
barbell bent over row
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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
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Bench
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Front Pulldown
machine front pulldown
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Dumbbell
dumbbell one arm row(with support)
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Barbell
barbell chest supported row
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Barbell
t-bar row(v-grip)
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Landmine
t-bar row
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Lat Pulldown
cable wide grip behind neck pulldown
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Low Row Machine
machine low row
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Barbell
barbell reverse grip supported row
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Pulldown Machine
machine lateral pulldown
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Lat Pulldown
lat pulldown reverse close grip
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High Row Machine
machine high row
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Row Cable
cable low seated row
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Seated Row Machine
machine seated row
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Cable
cable pulldown(v-bar)
BackRear Shoulder
None
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BackBiceps
None
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Row Cable
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Rings
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Squat Rack
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Kettlebell
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Rings
ring suspended row
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Dumbbell
dumbbell pull over
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Resistance Band
band seated row
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Rowing Machine
rowing on rowing machine
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