Cable Rear Delt Row
The Cable Rear Delt Row primarily works the Posterior Deltoid, with secondary activation of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Lateral Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Adductor Magnus, Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Abdominis. It is a cable compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
The Cable Rear Delt Row is a intermediate compound exercise performed with cable, following a horizontal pull movement pattern. It primarily targets the Posterior Deltoid, with secondary engagement of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Lateral Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle). This is a bilateral pulling movement, engaging both sides of the body simultaneously.
A cable compound pull exercise targeting the Posterior Deltoid.
| Equipment | Cable |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Horizontal Pull |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Posterior Deltoid |
| Secondary | Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Lateral Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) |
Muscles Worked
The Posterior Deltoid is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Lateral Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), and Trapezius (Middle) act as secondary movers, assisting the primary muscles and contributing meaningfully to the overall output. The Adductor Magnus, Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Biceps Femoris (Long Head), and 4 other muscles act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Posterior Deltoid (shoulders)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Infraspinatus (back)
- Secondary Muscle Lateral Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Minor (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Lower) (back)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Adductor Magnus (adductors)
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Brachii (Long Head) (biceps)
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Femoris (Long Head) (hamstrings)
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Sit slightly forward on bench or platform in order to grasp cable bar attachment.
- With elbow width overhand grip, straighten torso upright and slide hips back until knees are onlyslightly bent.
Execution
- Pull cable attachment toward upper chest, just below neck, with elbows up out to sides until elbows travel slightly behind back.
- Keep upper arms horizontal, perpendicular to trunk.
- Return until arms are extended and shoulders are stretched forward.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Elbow width is determined when elbows are raised at height of shoulders out to sides.
- The relatively powerfulLatissimus Dorsibecomes involved:.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Retract and depress your shoulder blades before initiating each rep.
- Lead with your elbows rather than your hands to maximize back engagement.
- Avoid shrugging your traps — keep your shoulders packed down and back.
Programming Suggestions
Adapt your sets and reps to your training goal.
| Strength | 3–5 sets × 3–6 reps at 80–90% 1RM with 2–4 minutes rest. |
|---|---|
| Hypertrophy | 3–5 sets × 6–12 reps at 65–80% 1RM with 60–120 seconds rest. |
| Endurance | 2–4 sets × 15–20 reps at 50–65% 1RM with 30–60 seconds rest. |
Alternative Exercises
These exercises target the same primary muscles (Posterior Deltoid) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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