Low Row Machine vs Seated Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Both hit Back on a machine, but Low Row Machine is plate-loaded and Seated Cable Row is cable-driven — the resistance feels different through the range.
Compare the benefits of Low Row Machine and Seated Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Low Row Machine vs Seated Cable Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions compared to 3,102 for Low Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Low Row Machine and Seated Cable Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Low Row Machine and Seated Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Low Row Machine | Seated Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 3,102 sessions | 52,786 sessions |
How to Do Low Row Machine
Low Row Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. As you gather your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 2. Pull your elbows back until they reach behind your body.
- 3. While maintaining an open chest, slowly extend your arms and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Please keep your chest out to avoid slouching your back.
For a full Low Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Low Row Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Seated Cable Row
Seated Cable Row Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Pull your arms back naturally while gathering your shoulder blades.
- 2. Pull until your elbows are vertical.
- 3. Return to the starting position by fully extending your elbows while keeping your back straight.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your back.
- 3. Please stabilize your back so it doesn't move back and forth.
For a full Seated Cable Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated Cable Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Low Row Machine or Seated Cable Row?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 3,102 for Low Row Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Low Row Machine and Seated Cable Row need?
Low Row Machine needs a machine, and Seated Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to Low Row Machine once your form holds up.
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