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Cable upright row

Raise the elbows outward only to a comfortable height, keeping the bar close; stop below any shoulder pinching. Start with a manageable effort and increase it only while the setup and movement remain controlled.

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At a glance

EquipmentCable
Experience levelIntermediate
Movement patternShoulder raise
Primary muscleSide Deltoids
Also worksFront Deltoids, Biceps
Cable upright row: Exercise illustration (start) Cable upright row: Exercise illustration (peak)
Exercise data by RepDB (repdb.co).

The movement, step by step.

  1. Hold a low-cable bar with a comfortable wide grip and stand upright.
  2. Raise the elbows outward only to a comfortable height, keeping the bar close; stop below any shoulder pinching.
  3. Return slowly to the starting position and reset before the next repetition.

Technique cues

  • Lift with control instead of momentum.
  • Keep the shoulders away from the ears.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the torso to raise the weight.
  • Using a painful or forced shoulder position.

Alternatives

Log it in One Fitness Hub

In the app, Learn on a workout opens this same guide for Cable - Upright Row, without losing your selected exercise or unsaved sets.

Open in Workout Explorer. Watch the demonstrations in place, compare it with another exercise and browse the whole library.

Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.

Know the movement. Log the work.

Log every set, see your estimated one-rep max and keep the guide one tap away.