Cable Lying Upright Row
Target your upper back and shoulders with this unique cable row variation! Lying down isolates the muscles for maximum gains.
The Cable Lying Upright Row is a compound exercise that mainly works the shoulders and traps, with help from the biceps and back. You'll need: exercise bench or cable machine.
Required Equipment


Cable Lying Upright Row Muscles Worked
Primary
Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)
Secondary
Biceps (biceps brachii); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)
Cable Lying Upright Row Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Cable Lying Upright Row
Setup:
Adjust the cable machine to the lowest setting.
Select an appropriate weight based on your fitness level.
Sit on a bench facing the cable machine.
Starting Position:
Lie back on the bench with your feet flat on the ground.
Grab the cable handle with both hands, palms facing each other, and extend your arms straight above your chest.
Movement:
Keep your elbows slightly bent and pull the cable towards your chest.
As you pull, raise your elbows upward, keeping them higher than your hands.
Your hands should stay close to your body along the path of the pull.
Peak Contraction:
Stop when your hands are approximately at chest level and your elbows are at shoulder height.
Hold this position for a brief moment, focusing on the contraction in your shoulders.
Return:
Slowly lower the cable back to the starting position with controlled movement.
Keep your body steady and avoid arching your back during the movement.
Repetitions:
Perform 8-12 repetitions for 2-3 sets, resting for 30-60 seconds between sets.
Tips:
Maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise.
Focus on using your shoulders and upper arms to pull the weight rather than engaging other muscles.
Start with lighter weights to master the form before increasing the load.
Cable Lying Upright Row FAQs
What muscles does the Cable Lying Upright Row work?
The Cable Lying Upright Row mainly works the shoulders and traps, with help from the biceps and back. The main muscles are the lateral deltoid and trapezius.
What equipment do you need for the Cable Lying Upright Row?
Exercise bench or cable machine.
Is the Cable Lying Upright 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 Lying Upright Row go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Cable Lying Upright Row variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Cable Rope-Handle High-Pulley Pull, Cable V-Bar Incline Close-Grip Shoulder Press, Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back Wrist Strap and Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back.
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