Appears in642 Workouts*

Cable Seated Front Row

Strengthen your back with the cable seated front row! A gym-friendly exercise that builds a stronger, healthier you.

The Cable Seated Front Row is a compound exercise that mainly works the back, with help from the traps and shoulders. You'll need: cable machine.

Cable Seated Front Row demo video 2
Ms. Grey
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@JustGains_XX

Required Equipment

Cable Machine
Cable Machine

Cable Seated Front Row Muscles Worked

Primary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)

Secondary

Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers); Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)

How to do the Cable Seated Front Row

Cable Front Seated Row

1. Set Up the Equipment:

  • Position the cable machine so that it is easily accessible.

  • Select an appropriate weight on the machine that you can manage comfortably.

  1. Positioning:

    • Sit on the seat with your feet flat on the ground or on the footrest, ensuring that your knees are slightly bent.

    • Adjust the seat height if necessary so that the cable is at chest level when you grasp the handle.

    • Grasp the handle with both hands, using a neutral grip (palms facing each other).

  2. Starting Position:

    • Lean back slightly with your torso at a 45-degree angle, ensuring that your back is straight and shoulders are down and relaxed.

    • Engage your core for stability.

    • Your arms should be extended in front of you, with a slight bend in the elbows.

  3. The Movement:

    • Pull the handle towards your torso, squeezing your shoulder blades together as you row.

    • Keep your elbows close to your body throughout the movement.

    • Focus on using your back muscles rather than your arms to drive the motion.

  4. Finish the Movement:

    • Once the handle reaches your torso, pause for a moment at the peak of the contraction.

    • Gradually extend your arms back to the starting position, controlling the movement and resisting the pull of the cable.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Aim for 8-12 repetitions for 2-3 sets, resting for about 30-60 seconds between sets.

Tips:

  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise.

  • Avoid using momentum; the movement should be smooth and controlled.

  • Adjust the weight as needed to ensure proper form.

Cable Seated Front Row FAQs

What muscles does the Cable Seated Front Row work?

The Cable Seated Front Row mainly works the back, with help from the traps and shoulders. The main muscles are the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids.

What equipment do you need for the Cable Seated Front Row?

Cable machine.

Is the Cable Seated Front Row a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Cable Seated Front Row go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Cable Seated Front Row variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Cable Lying Upright Row, Cable Seated Face Pull, Cable Seated Front Press and Cable Seated Lat Focused Row.

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