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Last updated February 2, 2026
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latslower backteres majortrapezius
Bent Over Row (Cable)
Use a low cable pulley. Hinge forward and row the handle to your waist. Constant cable tension makes this harder than it looks.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
lats
Secondary
mid traps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cable
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Bent-over
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart, facing the cable machine.
- Adjust the cable pulley to a low position and attach a handle or bar.
- Grab the handle or bar with both hands, using an overhand grip.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward from your hips, keeping your back straight.
- Your torso should be at about a 45-degree angle to the floor, with your core engaged.
- Step 3Grab the Handle
- With your arms extended, pull the handle towards your torso while keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Ensure your grip is firm and your wrists are straight.
- Step 4Pull the Handle
- Pull the handle towards your lower rib cage by bending your elbows and squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your shoulders.
- Step 5Lower the Handle
- Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control of the movement.
- Ensure your torso remains in the same bent-over position throughout.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the pulling and lowering motion for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form with each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully stand upright, keeping your back straight.
- Release the handle and step away from the cable machine.