Seated Cable Wide Grip Row

Back
Mid Back
Beginner
3-5Set
8-12Reps
120sRest
2-1-2-0Tempo
Seated Cable Wide Grip Row
Animation

Description

Seated Cable Wide Grip Row is a fundamental and effective compound exercise targeting the middle back. This movement works the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle trapezius, and rear deltoids together. The seated position reduces pressure on the lower back and offers a more controlled movement. Ideal for increasing back thickness, improving posture, and developing upper body strength. It also secondarily strengthens biceps and forearm muscles. Suitable for athletes of all fitness levels with various grip variations available.

Seated Cable Wide Grip Row How-To Guide

  1. 1

    Sit at the cable row machine, place your feet on the platform and slightly bend your knees

  2. 2

    Grip the handles at shoulder width, keep your chest open

  3. 3

    Engage your core muscles and start with arms extended straight

  4. 4

    Pull the handles toward your abdominal area by driving your elbows back

  5. 5

    Squeeze your back muscles and hold for 1-2 seconds

  6. 6

    Return to the starting position in a controlled manner, slightly relaxing the muscles

Key Points

  • Keep your back straight, chest forward, and shoulders pulled back
  • Keep knees slightly bent, press feet firmly into the platform
  • Pull the handle to belly button level, elbows should stay close to body
  • At the peak, squeeze shoulder blades for 1-2 seconds to increase muscle contraction
  • Fully extend arms during negative phase to ensure lat muscle stretch

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging torso forward and backward - momentum does the work instead of back muscles
  • Dropping shoulders forward - causes shoulder joint impingement and postural issues
  • Pulling only with arms - biceps fatigue but back muscles don't get sufficient work
  • Keeping lower back rounded - increases disc pressure in lumbar region
  • Releasing weight too quickly - increases risk of muscle and tendon injury

Breathing

Exhale as you pull the cable toward yourself, inhale as you release the weight in a controlled manner.

Muscle Activation

lats0%
rhomboids0%
middle_back0%
biceps0%
rear_delts0%
traps0%
forearms0%

Safety

Precautions

  • Those with lower back hernia should sit upright
  • Those with shoulder injuries should pay attention to elbow angle
  • Pregnant women should avoid abdominal pressure
  • Those with high blood pressure should not hold their breath

Safety Tips

  • Keep your back straight, don't round it
  • Secure your feet on the platform
  • Keep your abdominal muscles tight throughout the movement
  • Be controlled when releasing the weight

Frequently Asked Questions

Which muscles does Seated Cable Wide Grip Row work?

Seated Cable Wide Grip Row primarily works these muscles: Lats, Rhomboids, Middle back. It also engages: Biceps, Rear delts, Forearms, Traps.

Is Seated Cable Wide Grip Row suitable for beginners?

Seated Cable Wide Grip Row is a Beginner level exercise. Learning difficulty: Easy.

Can Seated Cable Wide Grip Row be done at home?

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

What are common mistakes when doing Seated Cable Wide Grip Row?

One of the most common mistakes: Swinging torso forward and backward - momentum does the work instead of back muscles

How many sets and reps for Seated Cable Wide Grip Row?

Recommended: 3-5 sets and 8-12 reps.

Exercise Information
DifficultyBeginner
Movement TypeCompound
FocusHypertrophy
Injury RiskLow
Set3-5
Reps8-12
Rest120 seconds
Tempo2-1-2-0
Spotter RequiredNo
Home / Gym
NoYes
Effectiveness4.5 / 5
Popularity8.7 / 10
Learning DifficultyEasy
Equipment
cable
Primary Muscles
LatsRhomboidsMiddle back
Secondary Muscles
BicepsRear deltsForearmsTraps
Benefits
  • Develops middle back muscles
  • Increases back thickness
  • Supports shoulder health
  • Provides continuous muscle activation with constant tension
Goals
Muscle GainStrengthEndurance
Back to All Exercises
Seated Cable Wide Grip Row
Animation
Description

Seated Cable Wide Grip Row is a fundamental and effective compound exercise targeting the middle back. This movement works the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, middle trapezius, and rear deltoids together. The seated position reduces pressure on the lower back and offers a more controlled movement. Ideal for increasing back thickness, improving posture, and developing upper body strength. It also secondarily strengthens biceps and forearm muscles. Suitable for athletes of all fitness levels with various grip variations available.

Seated Cable Wide Grip Row How-To Guide
  1. 1

    Sit at the cable row machine, place your feet on the platform and slightly bend your knees

  2. 2

    Grip the handles at shoulder width, keep your chest open

  3. 3

    Engage your core muscles and start with arms extended straight

  4. 4

    Pull the handles toward your abdominal area by driving your elbows back

  5. 5

    Squeeze your back muscles and hold for 1-2 seconds

  6. 6

    Return to the starting position in a controlled manner, slightly relaxing the muscles

Key Points
  • Keep your back straight, chest forward, and shoulders pulled back
  • Keep knees slightly bent, press feet firmly into the platform
  • Pull the handle to belly button level, elbows should stay close to body
  • At the peak, squeeze shoulder blades for 1-2 seconds to increase muscle contraction
  • Fully extend arms during negative phase to ensure lat muscle stretch
Common Mistakes
  • Swinging torso forward and backward - momentum does the work instead of back muscles
  • Dropping shoulders forward - causes shoulder joint impingement and postural issues
  • Pulling only with arms - biceps fatigue but back muscles don't get sufficient work
  • Keeping lower back rounded - increases disc pressure in lumbar region
  • Releasing weight too quickly - increases risk of muscle and tendon injury
Breathing

Exhale as you pull the cable toward yourself, inhale as you release the weight in a controlled manner.

Back to All Exercises
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