Get the App

Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows

Shoulders Biceps Middle Back Beginner Strength Cable
Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. Sit in the same position on a low pulley row station as you would if you were doing seated cable rows for the back.
  2. Attach a rope to the pulley and grasp it with an overhand grip. Your arms should be extended and parallel to the floor with the elbows flared out.
  3. Keep your lower back upright and slide your hips back so that your knees are slightly bent. This will be your starting position.
  4. Pull the cable attachment towards your upper chest, just below the neck, as you keep your elbows up and out to the sides. Continue this motion as you exhale until the elbows travel slightly behind the back. Tip: Keep your upper arms horizontal, perpendicular to the torso and parallel to the floor throughout the motion.
  5. Go back to the initial position where the arms are extended and the shoulders are stretched forward. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows work?

Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows primarily targets the Shoulders. It also engages the Biceps, Middle Back as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective strength exercise for building shoulders development.

What equipment do I need for the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows?

You will need a cable to perform the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows a compound or isolation exercise?

The Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall strength and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows?

For strength, aim for 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with heavier weight. For muscle building (hypertrophy), try 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps at a moderate weight. For endurance, use lighter weight and perform 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.

What are good alternatives to the Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows?

Good alternatives include the Alternating Cable Shoulder Press, Alternating Deltoid Raise, Alternating Kettlebell Press. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Shoulders) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

How to use Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows — How to, Muscles, Form

Best for: Building practical strength and adding focused work for Shoulders, Biceps, Middle Back. Use it when the movement fits your goal, equipment, and recovery.

Programming tip: Start with a load you can control for every rep. Add reps before adding weight, and keep the last rep clean enough that you could repeat the movement next week.

Common mistake: Chasing heavier weight before the setup, range of motion, and tempo are consistent. If the rep changes every set, the log stops telling the truth.

Track it: Log weight, reps, sets, and one short note about form or difficulty. Over time, those notes explain plateaus better than motivation quotes ever will.

Track this exercise

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

Get Another One