Seated Cable Rear Delt Row (Parallel Bar) - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Seated Cable Rear Delt Row (Parallel Bar)

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Seated Cable Rear Delt Row (Parallel Bar).

MediumRear shoulders

About this exercise

The Cable Rear Delt Row with a parallel bar uses a low or mid-height cable pulley and a straight bar gripped with a palms-facing grip. By keeping the elbows flared out to the sides during the pull, the movement shifts emphasis onto the rear deltoids and upper back rather than the biceps.

How to Perform

  • Attach a straight bar to a cable machine set at approximately chest or seat height
  • Sit on the bench facing the machine and grasp the bar with an overhand parallel grip, arms extended
  • Sit upright with a slight natural arch in your lower back
  • Pull the bar toward your upper chest, driving your elbows wide to the sides
  • Pause when your elbows pass behind your torso, squeezing the rear deltoids
  • Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position under control
  • Avoid rounding the shoulders forward on the return

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders
Secondary
BicepsTrapeziusMiddle back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Seated Cable Rear Delt Row (Parallel Bar)

The Seated Cable Rear Delt Row (Parallel Bar) 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.