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Cable Row

Difficulty: Beginnerpull

Home Setup

Use resistance band anchored at chest height

Resistance bandDoor anchorSturdy pole

💡 Pro tip: Anchor band to door handle or wrap around stable post at chest level

Gym Setup

Cable machine with seated row attachment or V-bar handle

Safety: Keep back straight, avoid jerking weight, secure feet on footplate

💪 Muscles Worked

Latissimus DorsiRhomboidsMiddle TrapeziusRear DeltoidsBiceps Brachii

⭐ Why This Exercise?

Cable rows provide constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, making them excellent for muscle hypertrophy and back development. The adjustable resistance and variety of handle attachments allow for precise targeting of different back muscles while minimizing lower back stress compared to bent-over rows.

Make It Easier

Regressions for building up strength

1. Assisted Cable Row

cable machine

Use lighter weight to master form

2. Single Arm Cable Row

cable machine

Allows focus on one side with less total load

3. Band Row

resistance bands

Less resistance and more control

Make It Harder

Progressions for advanced athletes

1. Wide Grip Cable Row

cable machine + wide grip bar

Targets upper back more intensely

2. Single Arm Cable Row (heavy)

cable machine

Increases unilateral strength and core demand

3. Chest Supported Cable Row

cable machine + bench

Eliminates momentum for strict form

4. Paused Cable Row

cable machine

Increases time under tension at peak contraction

↕️ Similar Movements

Barbell Row
Same horizontal pull with free weight
Dumbbell Row
Unilateral horizontal pull variation
Lat Pulldown
Vertical pull for similar muscle groups
Face Pull
Cable pull targeting rear delts
Inverted Row
Bodyweight horizontal pull

Form Checklist

Sit upright with chest proud
Pull handle to lower chest/upper abdomen
Squeeze shoulder blades together at end
Keep elbows close to body
Control the return phase

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the back
  • Using momentum by leaning back excessively
  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Not pulling through full range of motion
  • Letting shoulders roll forward on return

📈 When to Progress

When you can do 12-15 reps with controlled form for 3 sets without using momentum