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Upper back exercise · cable

Cable Rope Seated Row

The cable rope seated row is a cable exercise that targets the upper back, with the biceps and forearms assisting.

Animated demonstration of the cable rope seated row
Cable Rope Seated Row — demonstration
Target muscle
Upper back
Also works
Biceps, forearms
Equipment
Cable
Body part
Back

How to do the cable rope seated row

  1. Sit on the rowing machine with your feet flat on the footrests and knees slightly bent.
  2. Grasp the cable ropes with an overhand grip, palms facing each other.
  3. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows.
  4. Pull the cable ropes towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  5. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the tension and return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the upper back. The biceps and forearms work as secondary muscles. See all upper back exercises or every cable exercise.

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