Cable Seated Row
The Cable Seated Row primarily works the Erector Spinae, with secondary activation of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Adductor Magnus, Biceps Brachii (Long Head), Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Gluteus Maximus, Triceps (Long Head). It is a cable compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
The Cable Seated Row is a intermediate compound exercise performed with cable, following a horizontal pull movement pattern. It primarily targets the Erector Spinae, with secondary engagement of the Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, 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 Erector Spinae.
| Equipment | Cable |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Horizontal Pull |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Erector Spinae |
| Secondary | Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius (Lower), Trapezius (Middle) |
Muscles Worked
The Erector Spinae is the primary mover, taking on the bulk of the workload throughout the full range of motion. The Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Major (Sternal), Posterior Deltoid, Rhomboids, Teres Major, 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 2 other muscles act as stabilizers, maintaining joint position and postural alignment throughout the movement.
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Brachialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Brachioradialis (biceps)
- Secondary Muscle Infraspinatus (back)
- Secondary Muscle Latissimus Dorsi (back)
- Secondary Muscle Pectoralis Major (Sternal) (chest)
- Secondary Muscle Posterior Deltoid (shoulders)
- Secondary Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Secondary Muscle Teres Major (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 Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
- Stabilizer Muscle Triceps (Long Head) (triceps)
How to Perform
Preparation
- Sit slightly forward on seat or bench in order tograsp cable attachment.
- Place feet on vertical platform.
- Slide hips back positioning knees with slight bend.
Execution
- Pull cable attachment to waist while straightening lower back.
- Pull shoulders back and push chest forward while arching back.
- Return until arms are extended, shoulders are stretched forward, and lower back is flexed forward.
- Repeat.
Comments
- Begin with light weight and add additional weight gradually to allow lower back adequateadaptation.
- Do not pause or bounce at bottom of lift.
- Do not lower weight beyond mild stretch.
- Full range of motion through lower back will vary from person to person.
- See exercise performed withDual Pulleyand related exerciseCable Straight Back Seated Row.
- Also seeCable Seated Row QuestionandDangerous Exercise Essay.
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 (Erector Spinae) and can be substituted based on your equipment or variation preferences.
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