Upper back exercise · cable
Cable Upper Row
The cable upper row is a cable exercise that targets the upper back, with the biceps and shoulders assisting.
- Target muscle
- Upper back
- Also works
- Biceps, shoulders
- Equipment
- Cable
- Body part
- Back
How to do the cable upper row
- Attach a straight bar to a cable machine at chest height.
- Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your back straight and your core engaged.
- Pull the bar towards your upper chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- Pause for a moment at the top of the movement.
- Slowly release the bar back to the starting position.
- 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 shoulders work as secondary muscles. See all upper back exercises or every cable exercise.
