Primary
Back
Secondary
Biceps, Forearms
Equipment
Cable
Difficulty
Beginner
Type
Pull
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Close-grip cable rows use a V-bar or narrow handle attachment, bringing your hands close together with a neutral grip. This grip allows a greater range of motion than wide handles and emphasizes the lats over the upper back.
When to use it
Use for lat development with full range.
Who it's for
All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition.
Pull the handle to your belly button with elbows staying tight to your sides. The close grip lets you stretch further forward at the start and pull further back at the finish. Full range of motion is the advantage here.
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We slot it into the right day with sets, reps, and progression you can follow.
Attach a V-bar or close-grip handle to the cable.
Sit at the cable row station with feet on the platform.
Grip the handle with hands close together.
Keep your back straight and chest up.
Pull the handle to your midsection.
Squeeze your lats and return with control.
Close grip allows for greater range of motion.
Neutral grip position is shoulder-friendly.
Emphasizes lat stretch and contraction.
Keep elbows close to your body throughout.
Use close-grip cable rows as your standard horizontal cable pull for lat development. The neutral grip is joint-friendly and the full range maximizes lat stretch and contraction. Pairs well with wide-grip rows for complete coverage.
Leaning back too far during the pull.
A compromised back position during the Close-Grip Cable Row puts your spine under unnecessary shear force. Brace your core and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
Rounding the back at the starting position.
A compromised back position during the Close-Grip Cable Row puts your spine under unnecessary shear force. Brace your core and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
Using momentum instead of controlled movement.
Bouncing or using momentum during the Close-Grip Cable Row takes work away from your Latissimus dorsi and puts your connective tissue at risk. Control the weight through the full range — if you can't, lower the load.
Not achieving full scapular retraction.
Without proper shoulder positioning during the Close-Grip Cable Row, your Latissimus dorsi can't fully engage. Set your shoulder blades down and back before you start, and maintain that position throughout each rep.
All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps. Rest 60-90 seconds.
MySetPlan places Close-Grip Cable Row inside a complete workout — with the right sets, reps, rest periods, and a progression you can follow week to week.
Sample workout
MySetPlan guides you set by set, times your rest, lets you swap if equipment is busy, and tells you what to do next.
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Close-Grip Cable Row
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Close-Grip Cable Row
The Close-Grip Cable Row primarily targets the Latissimus dorsi, making it an effective exercise for back development. Secondary muscles worked during the Close-Grip Cable Row include Biceps, Rhomboids, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Erector spinae.
Yes, the Close-Grip Cable Row is an excellent choice for beginners due to its straightforward movement pattern and lower technical demands. All fitness levels looking to build strength and muscle definition. Start with lighter weights to master proper form before progressing.
For the Close-Grip Cable Row, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps. Rest 60-90 seconds. For strength, use 6-8 reps. For muscle growth, perform 10-12 reps. For endurance, complete 12-15 reps.
The Close-Grip Cable Row typically requires a cable, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Close-Grip Cable Row include: Seated Cable Row, Close-Grip Lat Pulldown. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Close-Grip Cable Row and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.