Seated One-Arm Cable Row

Learn how to do seated one-arm cable row with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.

BackCable6 technique steps

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Seated One-Arm Cable Row: matching illustrations comparing the setup and movement positions
01Set your position02Make the movement

How to do seated one-arm cable row

  1. To get into the starting position, first 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.
  2. Lean over as you keep the natural alignment of your back and grab the single handle attachment with your left arm using a palms-down grip.
  3. With your arm 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 lat as you hold the bar in front of you. The right arm can be kept by the waist. This is the starting position of the exercise.
  4. Keeping the torso stationary, pull the handles back towards your torso while keeping the arms close to it as you rotate the wrist, so that by the time your hand is by your abdominals it is in a neutral position (palms facing the torso). Breathe out as you perform that movement. At that point you should be squeezing your back muscles hard.
  5. Hold that contraction for a second and slowly go back to the original position while breathing in. Tip: Remember to rotate the wrist as you go back to the starting position so that the palms are facing down again.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform the same movement with the right hand.
Seated One-Arm Cable Row exercise illustration

Seated One-Arm Cable Row: muscles worked

Primary focus: back. Supporting muscles: Biceps.

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 seated one-arm cable row?

To get into the starting position, first 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. Lean over as you keep the natural alignment of your back and grab the single handle attachment with your left arm using a palms-down grip. With your arm 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 lat as you hold the bar in front of you. The right arm can be kept by the waist. This is the starting position of the exercise.

What muscles does seated one-arm cable row work?

Seated One-Arm Cable Row primarily trains the back, with the biceps contributing. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

What is the best technique for seated one-arm cable row?

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 seated one-arm cable row?

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

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