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Elevated Cable Rows

Learn how to do elevated cable rows with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.

BackCable7 technique steps

See the movement
Elevated Cable Rows: matching illustrations comparing the setup and movement positions
01Set your position02Make the movement

How to do elevated cable rows

  1. Get a platform of some sort (it can be an aerobics or calf raise platform) that is around 4-6 inches in height.
  2. Place it on the seat of the cable row machine.
  3. 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.
  4. Lean over as you keep the natural alignment of your back and grab the V-bar handles.
  5. With your arms 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 lats as you hold the bar in front of you. This is the starting position of the exercise.
  6. Keeping the torso stationary, pull the handles back towards your torso while keeping the arms close to it until you touch the abdominals. Breathe out as you perform that movement. At that point you should be squeezing your back muscles hard. Hold that contraction for a second and slowly go back to the original position while breathing in.
  7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Elevated Cable Rows exercise illustration

Elevated Cable Rows: muscles worked

Primary focus: back.

Back
Better reps before more weight.

Start with a version you can control. Record the same setup and range each time. Add reps or a small load increase when you can repeat the movement without changing the technique.

Plan your next set

Frequently asked questions

How do you do elevated cable rows?

Get a platform of some sort (it can be an aerobics or calf raise platform) that is around 4-6 inches in height. Place it on the seat of the cable row machine. 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.

What muscles does elevated cable rows work?

Elevated Cable Rows primarily trains the back. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

What is the best technique for elevated cable rows?

Set a secure grip and keep the chosen torso position repeatable. Move the elbows through the intended pull without a large torso swing. Return under control rather than dropping the weight or losing shoulder control.

What can I do instead of elevated cable rows?

Related options include Seated Cable Rows, Seated Cable Row, Seated One-Arm Cable Row. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.

Compare related movement setups

Browse the directory pages containing elevated cable rows and the related movements above to compare equipment and technique choices.

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