Seated Cable Row vs High Row Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions vs 4,545. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Seated Cable Row and High Row Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated Cable Row vs High Row Machine: 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 4,545 for High Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated Cable Row and High Row Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Seated Cable Row and High Row Machine Differ
| What differs | Seated Cable Row | High Row Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | cable-driven | plate-loaded |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 52,786 sessions | 4,545 sessions |
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.
How to Do 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 Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid bending your waist.
For a full High Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the High Row Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Cable Row or High Row Machine?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 4,545 for High 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 Seated Cable Row and High Row Machine need?
Seated Cable Row needs a machine, and High Row Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Cable Row is the easier place to start. Move to High Row Machine once your form holds up.
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