Cable Standing Row - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable Standing Row

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Standing Row.

MediumRear shouldersTrapezius

About this exercise

The Cable Standing Row is a compound pulling movement performed at a low-pulley cable station. Standing upright and rowing the cable handle toward your torso develops the lats, rhomboids, and rear delts while challenging core stability more than the seated version.

How to Perform

  • Attach a handle to a low-pulley cable machine and stand facing it, feet shoulder-width apart
  • Grip the handle with both hands using a neutral or overhand grip, arms extended, slight knee bend
  • Brace your core and keep a neutral spine throughout the movement
  • Pull the handle toward your lower sternum by driving your elbows back and squeezing your shoulder blades together
  • Hold the contraction for a moment at the peak
  • Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position under control
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shouldersTrapeziusMiddle back
Secondary
BicepsOuter forearm

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Standing Row

The Cable Standing Row is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.