If you’re looking to start strength training in the gym your thoughts might naturally drift towards using heavy free weights. However, you shouldn’t underestimate the effectiveness of using a cable machine for your strength exercises, because the way it creates a constant level of tension throughout the movement is a nifty trick that even free weights can’t match.
The cable row is one of the best cable exercises around and very neatly demonstrates the edge this machine has over free weights, because throughout the row movement you work against the same level of resistance so the muscles enlisted by the exercise are worked evenly. Chief among these are your lats, but your rear delts and erector spinae are also targeted, along with your biceps and forearms.
Adding cable rows, and indeed any kind of row, to your regular workout routine is also a wise move if you’re consistently doing pressing exercises. If you bench press frequently, for example, but don’t pay equivalent attention to your back you can build up muscle imbalances that will not only put you at risk of injuries, but also cause your lifting progress to stall. There are few different common versions of the cable row, but the one to start with is the seated cable row. Here’s how to do it.
How To Do The Cable Row
This exercise is most commonly performed using a V-grip attachment. The V-grip attachment is ideal for the inner back muscles such as the rhomboids and mid-traps, but different handles offer a variety of benefits. A wide-grip curved bar targets the rear delts and outer lats more, whereas an underhand EZ-bar will recruit the biceps to a greater extent.
Set the pulley at the lowest rung on the machine. Place your feet on the pads available, if there are no pads, find a step and place that in front of the machine before placing your feet on it.
Begin by having your arms completely outstretched as this move targets the lats and this position best engages the area. Keep your head, back and spine neutrally aligned, with your chest elevated and core engaged. With a small bend in your knees, pull the attachment in towards your body to just below the naval, initiating the move by driving your elbows towards your hips, keeping the elbows in. As the attachment reaches your torso, squeeze your lats and shoulder blades, holding the contraction for 1-2sec. Reverse to the start and repeat for desired number of reps.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t let your technique suffer. Leaning too far forwards reduces the amount of tension on the target muscles.
Always keep your back straight. Any rounding will only risk injury.
