Cable Row help

[ZenMachine]

I need some help with seated cable rows. (at least that is what I think they are called.)

Seated on a bench, pull to lower abs by contracting back muscles. You get the idea.

Anyway. Should there be any movement in the lowerback or do I need to keep as straight as possible?

If I didn't explain it well enough, let me know.

Zen

 

[needsize]

I like to lean forward during the negative as I like the stretch and range of motion, I think the key is to make sure that when you're pulling the handles towards you, make sure your back doesn't go any further than perpendicular to the floor, sitting straight up, or the stress seems to go from middle lats to lower back, which generally isn't the area targeted when doing that exercise.
Hope that made sense!

 

[The mann]

keep your back straight but it doesn't have to be totaly motionless,i do the same thing,stretch a bit forward.....also try to feel the pull through your elbows,lead the with theelbows going back...hard to explain but you will feel it more in your back..

 

[gymtime]

Both responses covered it pretty well. The only thing I would add is that once you've stretched forward on the negative, do not jerk the weight back as you bring it in to your gut. This is a VERY common problem on cable rows. Keep the movement slow and controlled.

 

[ZenMachine]

Thanks for the advice. I have been trying to keep the forward movement to a minimum to reduce the possibility of using my lower back and accompanying momentum to pull the weight. I will slow it down a little and stretch it out further.

Thanks,

Zen

 

[sysopt]

I sit up as tall as I can and pull it into my gut with the least spine movement as possible. This is a great exercise for crappy posture in the upper back.

 

[bignate73]

I sit up as tall as I can and pull it into my gut with the least spine movement as possible. This is a great exercise for crappy posture in the upper back.

yep, exactly. minimal movement to target middle back. spinal erectors can get work elsewhere. this is not a momentum movement. as for the stretch.....thats for cooldown, you break posture when you go for a stretch.

 

[shaft]

i agree with everyone else about stay straight. i also find that my lats get hit really hard when i stick my chest out a bit while i'm pulling back. stick that chest out and squeeze your lats. feels great.

 

[ZenMachine]

Hey thanks for the additional perspective. Looking forward to the next back day now.

Zen

 

[AMP 33]

I acrch my back a little and do no lower back movement. I use to do a little lower back on the negative but i didnt feel it as well.