Traps · Cable

Upright Cable Row

A compound movement that trains your traps, done with a cable. Your shoulders help out.

Upright Cable Row, starting positionUpright Cable Row, end position

Muscles you'll work

Upright Cable Row muscles worked, front viewUpright Cable Row muscles worked, back view
TrapsPrimaryShouldersSecondary

How to do it

  1. Grasp a straight bar cable attachment that is attached to a low pulley with a pronated (palms facing your thighs) grip that is slightly less than shoulder width. The bar should be resting on top of your thighs. Your arms should be extended with a slight bend at the elbows and your back should be straight. This will be your starting position.
  2. Use your side shoulders to lift the cable bar as you exhale. The bar should be close to the body as you move it up. Continue to lift it until it nearly touches your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the bar, your elbows should always be higher than your forearms. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
  3. Lower the bar back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

More trap exercises

Cable ShrugsBarbell ShrugDeadlift High PullDumbbell Shrug
EquipmentCable
TypeCompound
Push or pullPull
LevelIntermediate

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