Seated Row Machine vs Seated Cable Row
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Both hit Back on a machine, but Seated Row Machine is pin-loaded and Seated Cable Row is cable-driven — the resistance feels different through the range.
Compare the benefits of Seated Row Machine and Seated Cable Row and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Seated 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 16,586 for Seated Row Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Seated 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 Seated Row Machine and Seated Cable Row Differ
| What differs | Seated Row Machine | Seated Cable Row |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | pin-loaded | cable-driven |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 16,586 sessions | 52,786 sessions |
How to Do 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 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 Seated Row Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Seated 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, Seated Row Machine or Seated Cable Row?
Planfit users log Seated Cable Row more often — 52,786 sessions against 16,586 for Seated 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 Row Machine and Seated Cable Row need?
Seated Row Machine needs a machine, and Seated Cable Row needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Seated Row Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Seated Cable Row once your form holds up.
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