Cable One Arm Bent over Row

Build a strong, sculpted back with the Cable One-Arm Bent-Over Row. This exercise targets your lats for thickness and improves core stability.

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set1 min rest

Description

This is a strength training exercise targeting the lats, but also works the biceps and shoulders. The exerciser pulls a weighted cable towards their body while keeping a bent-over position.

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How to Do Cable One Arm Bent over Row

  1. 1
    Setup

    Adjust the cable pulley to a low position and attach a single D-handle. Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart and take a slight step back.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Hinge forward at your hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor, maintaining a neutral spine. Place your non-working hand on a stable bench or your knee for support.

  3. 3
    Setup

    Grasp the D-handle with an overhand grip, allowing your working arm to fully extend towards the floor. Ensure your core is braced and your hips remain stable.

  4. 4

    Initiate the pull by retracting your scapula and driving your elbow towards your hip, squeezing your latissimus dorsi. Pull the handle towards your lower rib cage as you exhale.

  5. 5

    Slowly and with control, extend your arm back to the starting position, allowing your shoulder blade to protract fully for a complete stretch in the lat. Inhale as you extend.

Tips

  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement by bracing your core and avoiding rounding your back, which protects your lower spine.
  • Focus on driving your elbow back and squeezing your shoulder blade towards your spine to maximize lat activation, rather than just pulling with your biceps.
  • Control the eccentric (lowering) phase for 2-3 seconds to enhance muscle growth and improve mind-muscle connection.
  • Keep your working elbow close to your body as you pull to target the lats more effectively and prevent shoulder strain.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding the back compromises spinal integrity; fix this by engaging your core and maintaining a flat back throughout the movement.
  • ×Using excessive momentum reduces muscle activation and increases injury risk; ensure you perform the pull with controlled, deliberate force, focusing on muscle contraction.
  • ×Not achieving a full stretch at the bottom limits lat engagement; fully extend your arm and allow your shoulder blade to protract to maximize the range of motion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Cable One Arm Bent over Row work?
Cable One Arm Bent over Row primarily targets Infraspinatus, Latissimus Dorsi, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers. Secondary muscles include Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Deltoid Posterior, Pectoralis Major Sternal Head.
Is Cable One Arm Bent over Row good for beginners?
Cable One Arm Bent over Row is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Cable One Arm Bent over Row?
You need Cable to perform Cable One Arm Bent over Row. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Cable One Arm Bent over Row?
Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement by bracing your core and avoiding rounding your back, which protects your lower spine. Focus on driving your elbow back and squeezing your shoulder blade towards your spine to maximize lat activation, rather than just pulling with your biceps. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase for 2-3 seconds to enhance muscle growth and improve mind-muscle connection. Keep your working elbow close to your body as you pull to target the lats more effectively and prevent shoulder strain.
What are common mistakes when doing Cable One Arm Bent over Row?
Rounding the back compromises spinal integrity; fix this by engaging your core and maintaining a flat back throughout the movement. Using excessive momentum reduces muscle activation and increases injury risk; ensure you perform the pull with controlled, deliberate force, focusing on muscle contraction. Not achieving a full stretch at the bottom limits lat engagement; fully extend your arm and allow your shoulder blade to protract to maximize the range of motion.

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Cable One Arm Bent over Row

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