Cable High Row with Chest Support - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable High Row with Chest Support

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable High Row with Chest Support.

MediumMiddle back

About this exercise

A cable row performed from a high pulley with the chest resting against a support pad, eliminating lower-back involvement and allowing you to fully focus on lat and upper-back engagement. The supported position also removes the temptation to lean back, ensuring strict form throughout the set.

How to Perform

  • Set a high cable pulley and attach a rope or straight bar handle
  • Position an incline bench in front of the cable so the pad supports your chest when you lean into it
  • Grasp the handle with both hands and lean into the chest pad with arms extended toward the pulley
  • Retract your shoulder blades and pull the handle toward your lower chest or upper abdomen
  • Drive your elbows back and down, keeping them close to your sides
  • Pause briefly at full contraction, feeling the lats and rear delts squeeze
  • Extend your arms fully under control to return to the starting position

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle back
Secondary
BicepsRear shouldersTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable High Row with Chest Support

The Cable High Row with Chest Support 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.