Back · Cable
Cable Standing Close Grip Row
How to do the cable standing close grip row, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Cable
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- HorizontalPull
- Mechanic
- Compound
How to do it
Stand facing a cable column with a close-grip handle set at chest height. Step back to load the cable, then row the handle to your torso with elbows tucked close, squeezing your back. Return under control to a full stretch.
- 1Your lats and mid-back contracting as you draw the handle in
- 2Your shoulder blades pulling together at the back of the row
- 3A controlled stretch as your arms extend forward
Common mistakes
- Rounding your back or shrugging your shoulders up
- Letting the cable yank your torso forward at the stretch
- Pulling with only your biceps instead of initiating with your back
Muscles worked
The cable standing close grip row mainly works the lats and mid traps, with the biceps, forearms, and rear delts assisting.
- LatsPrimary
- Mid TrapsPrimary
- BicepsSupport
- ForearmsSupport
- Rear DeltsSupport
- Lower BackMinor
- Upper TrapsMinor
- Lower TrapsMinor
- Upper AbsMinor
- Lower AbsMinor
Kovo programs the cable standing close grip 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.