The seated cable row is a pulling exercise that works the back muscles in general, particularly the latissimus dorsi, a.k.a. “lats.” It also works the forearm muscles and the upper arm muscles, as the biceps and triceps are dynamic stabilizers for this exercise.
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Do cable rows work lower back?
The seated cable row is a great back isolation exercise that can help build back thickness and strength. It also minimizes added stress and fatigue to the lower back and hamstrings.
Are Low cable rows good?
Low cable rows are a compound exercise that is actually done while sitting down. You’re likely to come across low cable rows often in upper-body workouts, mainly because they are a great way to target the the middle back, as well as the biceps, lats, and shoulders.
Should I lean back on cable row?
It’s hard to maintain a completely upright position during the row, but try to lean no more than 10 degrees from the vertical to limit hip flexors and lower-back involvement.
What rows target lower back?
- Bent over row (3 sets of 10 to 12 reps)
- One-arm dumbbell row (3 sets of 8 to 10 reps on each arm)
- T-bar row (3 sets of 10 reps)
- Gorilla row (3 sets of 10 reps on each arm)
- Inverted row (3 sets of 10 to 15 reps)
Which row is best for back?
Bent-Over Barbell Row The bent-over barbell row is the best back movement in terms of sheer weight a person can lift. It equally works the larger muscle groups of the lower and upper back, making this exercise a great overall back builder.
How many reps should I do on low row?
Shoot for about three sets of 3-4 reps. It is important you struggle with the fourth rep (if you make it to four). If you still have energy left in the tank and can keep going, the weight is not heavy enough. Your muscles should reach failure at or before four reps.
How many reps should I do on a low row machine?
Best Variations for Low Rep Ranges: 1-5 Reps That means that although the weight is heavy and will force you to move slowly, the intention is to row the weight in as fast as possible without cheating the rep. Still, be sure to maintain a controlled eccentric (lowering) portion on each rep.
What part of the back does cable rows work?
The main muscle targeted with the cable row is the latissimus dorsi. This muscle starts in the lower back and runs at an angle toward the upper back, where it ends under the shoulder blade. Any time you pull a bar, dumbbell, barbell or some other weight toward your body, you activate this muscle.
Which cable row is best?
- Seated Cable Row. The seated cable row is a staple exercise for a strong, wide back.
- Single-Arm Cable Row.
- Single Arm Cable Row & Rotation.
- Half-Kneeling Cable Row.
- Split-Stance Low Cable Row.
- 30-Degree Lat Pulldown.
- Face Pull.
- Cable X Row.
Which is better cable row or barbell row?
Seated Cable Rows might be better than Bent-Over Barbell Rows for athletes who have trouble with their hip hinge and lower-back strength, because Seated Cable Rows place you in a stable upright position, where you can focus more on strengthening your scapulae than your lower back.
Do cable rows build muscle?
Seated cable rows increase upper-body strength by activating multiple muscle groups throughout the body, including back muscles like the latissimus dorsi in your middle back, the erector spinea muscles, the rhomboids in your upper back, and the lower trapezius.
Should you lean forward during cable rows?
You’re rowing for Olympic gold. Engaging your entire upper body by leaning forward or even driving with your legs during the cable row takes the tension off your lats. Instead, stabilize your body and tighten your coreโ then row the bar to you.
Why don’t I feel rows in my back?

Should you move on cable rows?

Do rows make back thicker?
Your back is an amalgam of muscles that need to be stimulated from a variety of angles. The best row to thicken your traps is different than the row that will help you engage your lower lats. To make your next back day more productive, we’ve culled seven row variations for you to try.
Do rows make your back wider?
Out of all of the row variations, the inverted row works your latissimus dorsi the most. According to a 2014 study in the European Journal of Sports and Exercise Science, the inverted row maximally activates the latissimus dorsi, making it the best exercise to develop a wide back.
Which row is best for lats?
Seal rows are amazing for building the lats and mid/upper back. Having your chest supported takes the low back, glutes, and hamstrings out of the equation.
Are back rows necessary?
Although barbell rows are a fantastic back building exercise (when performed properly), they are not necessary for complete back development. Dumbbell rows, t-bar rows, cable rows, and pull ups will build just as strong and thick of a back as barbell rows.
How do you thicken the back row?

How heavy should cable rows be?
What is a good Seated Cable Row? Female beginners should aim to lift 44 lb (1RM) which is still impressive compared to the general population.
Is 4 sets of 10 reps too much?
4 sets x 10 reps = 40 reps Moderate to low intensity. Most ideal for building muscle, but also suited for endurance.
Is 5 sets of 12 reps good?
Sets of anywhere from 4โ40 reps will stimulate muscle growth quite well, but most research shows that doing 6โ20 reps per set is the most efficient way to build muscle. Bodybuilders often use the middle of that range, favouring 8โ12 reps per set.
Is 20 minutes of rowing enough?
Rowing workouts around 20 minutes in length Studies show that endorphins, the neurochemicals that release during exercise and make you feel good, regularly kick in around the 20-minute mark. A workout around 20 minutes can give you a full-body burn that leaves you feeling good for hours to come.
How often should you row a week?
In terms of time, weight loss is best achieved with consistency, so aim for at least 30 minutes per day on a rower, anywhere from 4 to 6 times a week. Make sure you’re getting enough rest days, especially if you’re just getting started!