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HomeExercisesCable High Row

Cable High Row

Back
Lats
Intermediate
Compound
3-4Set
10-15Reps
60sRest
2-1-2-0Tempo
Cable High Row
Animation

Description

The Cable High Row is an effective compound movement performed on a cable machine by pulling from a high position downwards, specifically targeting the upper fibers of the latissimus dorsi. Unlike a classic row, the pulling angle is from top to bottom, which maximizes upper lat activation. It also works the rhomboids, middle trapezius, rear deltoids, and biceps. It is a critical exercise for back thickness and building a V-taper. Thanks to constant cable tension, it ensures maximum muscle activation. When performed regularly, it provides significant development in upper lat hypertrophy and back thickness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Attach a rope or bar to the high pulley of a cable machine

  2. 2

    Kneel or sit in front of the cable machine

  3. 3

    Grasp the attachment shoulder-width apart with your palms facing inward

  4. 4

    Keep your torso leaning slightly forward and your back straight

  5. 5

    Start with your arms fully extended upward

  6. 6

    Engage your core

  7. 7

    Pull the attachment toward your upper chest or shoulder level

  8. 8

    Drive your elbows out to the sides, keeping them at shoulder level

  9. 9

    Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the peak of the movement

  10. 10

    Maximally activate your upper lats

  11. 11

    Return to the starting position in a controlled manner

Key Points

  • ✓The pull should be from top to bottom
  • ✓Pull the attachment to the upper chest
  • ✓Elbows should flare out to the sides
  • ✓Squeeze the shoulder blades at the top
  • ✓Maintain constant cable tension

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Rounding the back - compromises posture
  • ✗Swinging the body - relies on momentum
  • ✗Inadequate range of motion - fails to fully engage the lats
  • ✗Lifting too heavy - breaks down form

Breathing

Exhale as you pull, inhale as you return to the starting position.

Muscle Activation

upper lats0%
lats0%
rhomboids0%
traps0%
rear delts0%
biceps0%

Safety

Precautions

  • Individuals with acute shoulder injuries should exercise caution
  • Individuals with acute lower back pain should exercise caution

Safety Tips

  • Start with a light weight
  • Keep your back straight
  • Stop the exercise if your form breaks down

Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles does Cable High Row work?

Cable High Row primarily works these muscles: Kanatlar, Lats. It also engages: Romboid, Trapez, Arka Omuz, Biceps.

Is Cable High Row suitable for beginners?

Cable High Row is a Intermediate level exercise. Learning difficulty: Moderate.

Can Cable High Row be done at home?

Cable High Row usually requires gym equipment, so it can be hard to do at home.

What are common mistakes when doing Cable High Row?

One of the most common mistakes: Rounding the back - compromises posture

How many sets and reps for Cable High Row?

Recommended: 3-4 sets and 10-15 reps.

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Back Exercises
Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lats

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Lats

Pull-Up

Pull-Up

Lats

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Lats

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Lats

High Row Machine

High Row Machine

Lats

Exercise Information

DifficultyIntermediate
Movement TypeCompound
FocusHypertrophy
Injury RiskLow
Set3-4
Reps10-15
Rest60 seconds
Tempo2-1-2-0
Spotter RequiredNo
Home / Gym
NoYes
Effectiveness4.2 / 5
Popularity6.5 / 10
Learning DifficultyModerate

Equipment

cable

Primary Muscles

KanatlarLats

Secondary Muscles

RomboidTrapezArka OmuzBiceps

Benefits

  • ✓Isolates the upper lat muscles
  • ✓Ideal for building back thickness
  • ✓Develops a V-taper back
  • ✓Provides constant cable tension
  • ✓Improves posture

Goals

Muscle GainStrength
Back to All Exercises
Cable High Row
Animation

Description

The Cable High Row is an effective compound movement performed on a cable machine by pulling from a high position downwards, specifically targeting the upper fibers of the latissimus dorsi. Unlike a classic row, the pulling angle is from top to bottom, which maximizes upper lat activation. It also works the rhomboids, middle trapezius, rear deltoids, and biceps. It is a critical exercise for back thickness and building a V-taper. Thanks to constant cable tension, it ensures maximum muscle activation. When performed regularly, it provides significant development in upper lat hypertrophy and back thickness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Attach a rope or bar to the high pulley of a cable machine

  2. 2

    Kneel or sit in front of the cable machine

  3. 3

    Grasp the attachment shoulder-width apart with your palms facing inward

  4. 4

    Keep your torso leaning slightly forward and your back straight

  5. 5

    Start with your arms fully extended upward

  6. 6

    Engage your core

  7. 7

    Pull the attachment toward your upper chest or shoulder level

  8. 8

    Drive your elbows out to the sides, keeping them at shoulder level

  9. 9

    Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the peak of the movement

  10. 10

    Maximally activate your upper lats

  11. 11

    Return to the starting position in a controlled manner

Key Points

  • ✓The pull should be from top to bottom
  • ✓Pull the attachment to the upper chest
  • ✓Elbows should flare out to the sides
  • ✓Squeeze the shoulder blades at the top
  • ✓Maintain constant cable tension

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Rounding the back - compromises posture
  • ✗Swinging the body - relies on momentum
  • ✗Inadequate range of motion - fails to fully engage the lats
  • ✗Lifting too heavy - breaks down form

Breathing

Exhale as you pull, inhale as you return to the starting position.

Back to All Exercises

Related Exercises

Exercises targeting similar muscle groups

Back Exercises
Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lever Behind Head Lat Pulldown

Lats

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Cable One Arm Pulldown

Lats

Pull-Up

Pull-Up

Lats

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Barbell Decline Bent Arm Pullover

Lats

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Close Grip Lat Pulldown

Lats

High Row Machine

High Row Machine

Lats