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Last updated February 2, 2026
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latslower backteres majortrapezius
Row - Seated (Cable)
Standard cable row. Keep knees slightly bent. Pull handle to stomach. Stretch forward at the end of the rep.
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
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit down on the cable row machine with your feet placed firmly on the footrests.
- Adjust the seat height if necessary so that your knees are slightly bent and your feet are flat.
- Step 2Grab the Handle
- Reach for the handle or bar attached to the cable, using an overhand grip.
- Ensure your hands are shoulder-width apart and your arms are fully extended.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Sit up straight with your back aligned and your core engaged.
- Retract your shoulder blades and keep your chest up to maintain good posture.
- Step 4Pull the Handle
- Begin the movement by pulling the handle towards your torso, bending your elbows and keeping them close to your body.
- Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you pull.
- Step 5Control the Return
- Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control of the movement.
- Ensure that you do not lean back or lose your posture during the return.
- Step 6Repeat
- Continue to pull and return the handle for the desired number of repetitions.
- Maintain proper form throughout each repetition to avoid injury.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the handle back on the machine.
- Stand up slowly, ensuring your back remains straight as you exit the machine.