Description
A strength training exercise that targets the upper back and shoulder muscles by pulling a cable towards the body with one arm while leaning on a chest support.
How to Do Cable Single Arm High Row with Chest Support
- 1Setup
Adjust the cable pulley to a high position, roughly shoulder height or slightly above, and select your desired weight. Position the chest support pad so that your upper chest is firmly pressed against it when standing.
- 2Setup
Stand facing the machine, grasp the single-handle attachment with one hand using an overhand grip, and brace your non-working arm against the chest support or your hip for stability. Step back slightly to create tension on the cable, maintaining a slight bend in your knees and a neutral spine.
- 3
Initiate the pull by retracting your scapula and pulling the handle towards your upper chest/shoulder, driving your elbow backward and slightly upward. Focus on squeezing your upper back muscles throughout the movement.
- 4
Control the eccentric phase by slowly extending your arm back to the starting position, allowing your scapula to protract fully while maintaining tension on the cable. Avoid letting the weight stack drop abruptly.
- 5
Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm, ensuring consistent form and controlled movement.
Tips
- Maintain a stable torso against the chest support throughout the entire movement to isolate the back muscles effectively and prevent compensatory movements.
- Focus on initiating the pull with your shoulder blade, imagining you are trying to "tuck your elbow into your back pocket" to maximize lat and upper back engagement.
- Keep your wrist straight and in line with your forearm; avoid flexing or extending it excessively, which can reduce grip strength and put strain on the wrist.
- Control the negative (eccentric) portion of the lift, allowing for a full stretch in the lats and upper back to enhance muscle growth and flexibility.
Common Mistakes
- ×Rounding the back: Avoid rounding your upper back during the pull; instead, keep your chest pressed against the support and maintain a neutral spine to protect your lower back and target the intended muscles.
- ×Using too much momentum: Do not jerk the weight or use excessive body swing; reduce the weight if necessary and focus on a slow, controlled pull and release.
- ×Shrugging the shoulders: Prevent your shoulders from shrugging up towards your ears during the pull; actively depress your shoulder blade to keep tension on the lats and upper back.
Variations

Cable Single Arm High Scapular Row
Master the Cable Single Arm High Scapular Row to build a strong, sculpted upper back.

Cable Single Arm Low Scapular Row
Perform the Cable Single Arm Low Scapular Row to strengthen your rhomboids, lats, and trapezius.

Cable Single Arm High Row
Strengthen your upper back and lats with the Cable Single Arm High Row. This exercise improves posture, builds unilateral strength, and enhances muscle

Cable High Row with Chest Support
Perform the Cable High Row with chest support to effectively target your upper back muscles, improving posture and pulling strength.
Related Exercises

Cable Seated Wide grip Row
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Cable Low Row with Rope Attachment
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Cable Kneeling One Arm Row
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Cable High Row (kneeling, rope attachment)
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Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.

Dumbbell Renegade Row to Squat
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