Fitness Champ Get the app

Upper back exercise · cable

Cable Seated Row

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

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

How to do the cable seated row

  1. Sit on the cable row machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent.
  2. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, keeping your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
  3. Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  4. Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the handles back to the starting position.
  5. 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.

Free on iPhone and Android

Track your cable seated row in the app.

Every one of these 1,300+ exercises is in the app with its demo and steps. Build a plan for your goal, log every set, and the rest timer starts itself. No account, no ads.

QR code linking to the Fitness Champ download

Scan to get the app

Similar upper back exercises