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Exercise Guide

How to do cable seated row(rope)

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

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.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Row Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Back, Biceps, Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine: Sit on the bench or floor facing the machine. Adjust the seat height if needed, so the cable is slightly below chest level.
  2. Attachment: Attach a rope handle to the low pulley.
  3. Grip: Grasp the rope handle with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), thumbs wrapped around the rope for a secure hold.
  4. Body Position: Lean forward slightly, keeping your back straight, chest up, and core engaged. Extend your arms towards the machine.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Pull: Exhale and pull the rope towards your lower abdomen. Keep your elbows close to your body and your back straight. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  2. Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the end of the pull, feeling the contraction in your back muscles.
  3. Controlled Return: Inhale and 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 rope.
  • Focus on the Back: Think about initiating the movement from your back muscles rather than just pulling with your arms.
  • Neutral Spine: Maintain a straight back and avoid rounding your shoulders forward.
  • Spread the Rope: As you pull the rope towards you, try to spread the ends of the rope apart slightly to engage your lats more effectively.

Common mistakes: Shrugging the shoulders up toward the ears and leaning back excessively to pull the weight.

Alternatives

Cable

lat prayer

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lat pulldown(wide bar)

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Row Cable

cable seated one arm row

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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

cable seated row

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Barbell

barbell bent over row

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Cable

cable straigth arm pulldown(rope)

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Cable

cable straight arm pulldown(bar)

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Barbell

barbell underhand bent over row

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Lat Pulldown

cable seated high row(v-bar)

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Bench

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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)

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None

sliding floor pulldown on towel

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None

superman row with towel

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Row Cable

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Rings

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Squat Rack

inverted row bend knees

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Kettlebell

kettlebell bent over row

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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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