High Row Machine vs Wide Grip Seated Cable Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Wide Grip Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of High Row Machine and Wide Grip Seated Cable Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about High Row Machine vs Wide Grip Seated Cable Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log High Row Machine more often — 4,545 sessions compared to 3,456 for Wide Grip Seated Cable Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. High Row Machine and Wide Grip Seated Cable Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How High Row Machine and Wide Grip Seated Cable Row Differ
| What differs | High Row Machine | Wide Grip Seated Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,545 sessions | 3,456 sessions |
How to High Row Machine
High Row Machine muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull your elbows towards your sides.
- 3. While keeping your back straight, fully extend your elbows and return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
If you want to know a detailed guide to High Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the High Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Wide Grip Seated Cable Row
Wide Grip Seated Cable Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms back.
- 2. Pull until the grip touches your abdomen.
- 3. Return to the starting position with your back straight and your elbows fully extended.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open so that your back doesn't round.
- 3. Please stabilize your back so that it doesn't move back and forth.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Wide Grip Seated Cable Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Wide Grip Seated Cable Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, High Row Machine or Wide Grip Seated Cable Row?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do High Row Machine and Wide Grip Seated Cable Row need?
High Row Machine needs a machine, and Wide Grip Seated Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Wide Grip Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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