Cable Seated Row
Learn how to do the Cable Seated Row with proper form and technique. This cable exercise primarily targets your Upper Back, with secondary emphasis on Biceps, Forearms.
How to Do the Cable Seated Row
Follow these steps to perform the Cable Seated Row with correct form:
- 1Sit on the cable row machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent.
- 2Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, keeping your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
- 3Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
- 4Pause for a moment at the peak of the movement, then slowly release the handles back to the starting position.
- 5Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Cable Seated Row Muscles Worked
Primary
Secondary
Exercise Details
- Equipment
- cable
- Body Part
- back
- Category
- Main
Recovery & Training Frequency
- Recommended Recovery Time
- 2–3 days
- Weekly Frequency
- 2–3 sessions per week
- Why
- Medium muscles involved in compound patterns benefit from 48–72 h recovery. Running them 2–3 × per week maximises weekly volume without compromising quality (Schoenfeld, 2016).
Sets & Reps by Goal
Strength
- Sets
- 3–5
- Reps
- 3–6
- Rest
- 2–3 min
Progressive overload is key — add weight when you can complete all reps with solid form.
Hypertrophy
- Sets
- 3–4
- Reps
- 8–15
- Rest
- 60–90 s
Aim for 2–3 RIR on most sets. The moderate rep range with controlled tempo maximises metabolic stress and mechanical tension.
Endurance
- Sets
- 2–3
- Reps
- 15–25
- Rest
- 30–60 s
High-rep sets at 50–60% 1RM build muscular endurance without excessive fatigue accumulation.
Which Workout Splits Include Cable Seated Row?
Based on the muscles this exercise targets, it fits naturally into these training splits and day types:
Push / Pull / Legs
Pull Day
Upper / Lower
Upper Day
Full Body
Any session
Bro Split
Back Day
Not sure which split is right for you? Cora builds personalised training plans that match your schedule and goals. Learn more about progressive overload.
Related Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Cable Seated Row work?
The Cable Seated Row primarily targets your Upper Back. Secondary muscles worked include Biceps, Forearms. This makes it an effective exercise for developing your back.
What equipment do I need for the Cable Seated Row?
The Cable Seated Row requires cable. Make sure your equipment is properly set up and you have enough space to perform the movement with full range of motion.
How do I perform the Cable Seated Row with proper form?
Start by Sit on the cable row machine with your feet flat on the footrests and your knees slightly bent. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip, keeping your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Pull the handles towards your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Focus on controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
How often should I do the Cable Seated Row?
For most people, allow 2–3 days between sessions targeting the same muscle group. That translates to 2–3 sessions per week. Medium muscles involved in compound patterns benefit from 48–72 h recovery. Running them 2–3 × per week maximises weekly volume without compromising quality (Schoenfeld, 2016).
What are the best sets and reps for the Cable Seated Row?
It depends on your goal. For strength: 3–5 sets of 3–6 with 2–3 min rest. For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–4 sets of 8–15 with 60–90 s rest. For endurance: 2–3 sets of 15–25 with 30–60 s rest.
Which workout splits is the Cable Seated Row best for?
The Cable Seated Row fits well into the following training splits: Push / Pull / Legs (Pull Day), Upper / Lower (Upper Day), Full Body (Any session), Bro Split (Back Day). It is classified as a pull, upper movement.
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