Seated Row Machine vs Cable High Row
Maximizing Your Back Workout Plan
Contents
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions vs 651. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Customize Your Back Workout: Explore the Benefits of Seated Row Machine and Cable High Row for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Seated Row Machine vs Cable High Row : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions compared to 651 for Cable High Row.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Seated Row Machine and Cable High Row differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Seated Row Machine and Cable High Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Cable High Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 651 sessions |
How to Seated Row Machine
Seated Row Machine muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your arms.
- 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 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 Seated Row Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Seated Row Machine Guide page of our blog!
How to Cable High Row
Cable High Row muscles worked: Back
Form
- 1. Grab the handle from the high position of the cable machine.
- 2. Pull your arms back and stabilize your upper body.
- 3. Slowly return to the original position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to strain your shoulders by fully extending your shoulders and arms.
- 2. Please be careful not to let your trapezius muscles rise along with it.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Cable High Row, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Cable High Row Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Seated Row Machine or Cable High Row?
Planfit users log Seated Row Machine more often — 16,586 sessions against 651 for Cable High Row. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Seated Row Machine and Cable High Row need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Cable High Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Cable High Row once your form holds up.
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It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

