Seated High Row with a Towel on a Padded Stool - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Seated High Row with a Towel on a Padded Stool

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Seated High Row with a Towel on a Padded Stool.

EasyTrapeziusMiddle back

About this exercise

A bodyweight back exercise performed seated on a padded stool, using a towel looped around a fixed anchor or held by a partner to perform a high rowing pull. The high elbow position emphasizes the upper back and rear deltoids while the core is engaged to maintain posture.

How to Perform

  • Sit on a padded stool facing a secure anchor point and loop a towel around it, holding one end in each hand
  • Extend your arms in front of you at upper-chest height, keeping a firm grip on the towel
  • Lean back slightly to create tension in the towel
  • Pull your elbows back and out, drawing your hands toward your chest
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the pull
  • Slowly extend your arms back to the starting position
  • Maintain an upright posture throughout the movement

Muscle Activation

Primary
TrapeziusMiddle back
Secondary
BicepsRear shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Seated High Row with a Towel on a Padded Stool

The Seated High Row with a Towel on a Padded Stool 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.