Fysiqal

Horizontal Pull · Beginner

Seated Cable Row

Compound horizontal pull exercise using cable, machine.
Seated Cable Row demonstration (no audio).
Movement pattern
Horizontal Pull
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
Cable, Machine
Mechanics
Compound
Sides
Bilateral
Main plane
Multiplanar

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How to do the Seated Cable Row

Cues reviewed by Kwabena Osei on

Setup

Scapular adduction (retraction) is a deliberate technique for optimal lat engagement on rows — not automatic. The pull completes without it; retracting the shoulder blades increases the muscle's effective force angle. Cue it explicitly.

  1. Stabilize the spine using hip position (a slight hip hinge/rotation into the seat back) rather than letting the low back round or hyperextend as the load comes on.

  2. Ensure the elbow travels backward (toward the torso, driven by shoulder extension) rather than upward — an elbow path that rises turns the pull into a shrug/upright-row pattern and shifts emphasis off the lats.

Muscles worked

Primary

Secondary

How the knowledge graph models this movement

Each joint action, with the role and emphasis the graph assigns each muscle. These are qualitative anatomical labels, not measured muscle activation.

  • Shoulder extensionprimary action

    Latissimus dorsi (prime mover, high emphasis); Teres major (prime mover, high emphasis); Posterior deltoid (synergist, moderate emphasis)

  • Shoulder horizontal abductionprimary action

    Posterior deltoid (prime mover, moderate emphasis); Latissimus dorsi (synergist, moderate emphasis); Infraspinatus (synergist, low emphasis); Teres minor (synergist, low emphasis)

  • Elbow flexionsecondary action

    Brachialis (synergist, moderate emphasis); Biceps brachii (synergist, moderate emphasis); Brachioradialis (synergist, moderate emphasis)

  • Spine extensionsecondary action

    Erector spinae (stabilizer, moderate emphasis); Multifidus (stabilizer, low emphasis)

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From the Knowledge Library

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy or medical conditions.