Back · Cable
Cable Elevated Row
How to do the cable elevated row, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Cable
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- HorizontalPull
- Mechanic
- Compound
How to do it
Set a cable pulley at chest height with a handle attached and grip it with both hands or one. Step back to load the cable and hinge slightly with a flat back. Pull the handle toward your torso by driving your elbows back and squeezing your shoulder blades, then return under control.
- 1Feel your lats and mid-back pull the handle toward your torso
- 2Drive your elbows back and squeeze your shoulder blades together
- 3Keep your back flat and core braced through the pull
Common mistakes
- Avoid shrugging your shoulders or flaring your elbows wide
- Don't round your back or yank with your lower back
- Avoid using momentum; control both the pull and the return
Muscles worked
The cable elevated row mainly works the lats and mid traps, with the biceps, rear delts, and forearms assisting.
- LatsPrimary
- Mid TrapsPrimary
- BicepsSupport
- Rear DeltsSupport
- ForearmsSupport
- Lower BackMinor
- Upper TrapsMinor
- Lower TrapsMinor
- Upper AbsMinor
Kovo programs the cable elevated row for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More back exercises
- How to do the archer pull-up
- How to do the resistance band assisted pull-up
- How to do the machine assisted pull-up
- How to do the back extension bench back extension
- How to do the machine back extension
- How to do the back lever
Last reviewed June 2026.