Wide Grip Cable Row: How-to, Tips & More

The Wide Grip Cable Row is a beginner compound exercise for your upper back. You do it with cable machine and wide grip bar. It is a good fit when your goal is muscle growth.

Besides the upper back, it also works your lats and biceps, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Upper back muscle

Upper back

Primary

Lats muscle

Lats

Secondary

Biceps muscle

Biceps

Secondary

How to do the Wide Grip Cable Row

  1. Attach a wide bar and sit at the row station.
  2. Hold the bar wide with an overhand grip.
  3. Row it to your lower chest with your elbows out.
  4. Return slowly.

Wide Grip Cable Row tips

  • The wide grip hits the upper back more.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 8 to 15 reps per set, and 8 to 15 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Cable machine, Wide grip bar

Type

Compound

Wide Grip Cable Row alternatives

More upper back exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Wide Grip Cable Row work?

The Wide Grip Cable Row mainly works your upper back, with help from your lats and biceps.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 8 to 15 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 8 to 15 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Wide Grip Cable Row good for beginners?

Yes. The Wide Grip Cable Row is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Wide Grip Cable Row?

You need cable machine and wide grip bar.

Wide Grip Cable Row demonstration

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