Back exercise

Seated One-arm Cable Pulley Rows

Middle backCableIntermediate

The seated one-arm cable pulley rows is a back exercise that targets the middle back with cable. Watch the demo, then follow the step-by-step form guide below.

Looping demonstration — tap play to watch the full movement.

How to do the seated one-arm cable pulley rows

  1. To get into the starting position, first sit down on the machine and place your feet on the front platform or crossbar provided making sure that your knees are slightly bent and not locked.

  2. Lean over as you keep the natural alignment of your back and grab the single handle attachment with your left arm using a palms-down grip.

  3. With your arm extended pull back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs. Your back should be slightly arched and your chest should be sticking out. You should be feeling a nice stretch on your lat as you hold the bar in front of you. The right arm can be kept by the waist. This is the starting position of the exercise.

  4. Keeping the torso stationary, pull the handles back towards your torso while keeping the arms close to it as you rotate the wrist, so that by the time your hand is by your abdominals it is in a neutral position (palms facing the torso). Breathe out as you perform that movement. At that point you should be squeezing your back muscles hard.

  5. Hold that contraction for a second and slowly go back to the original position while breathing in. Tip: Remember to rotate the wrist as you go back to the starting position so that the palms are facing down again.

  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform the same movement with the right hand.

Details

Primary muscles
Middle back
Secondary muscles
BicepsLatsTraps
Equipment & classification
CableLevel: IntermediateForce: PullMechanic: Compound

Browse all back exercises, see our roundup of the best dumbbell back exercises, or return to the exercise library.

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Educational information only — not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

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