Back · Machines and cables

Cable and machine back exercises

12 exercises from the diary's catalog, all with photos. Below are the list and a sample back workout: compounds first, then isolation.

12 exercises

Lat PulldownLat PulldownMachines and cablesSeated Cable RowSeated Cable RowMachines and cablesClose-Grip Lat PulldownClose-Grip Lat PulldownMachines and cablesHammer Strength RowHammer Strength RowMachines and cablesStraight-Arm PulldownStraight-Arm PulldownMachines and cablesUnderhand Lat PulldownUnderhand Lat PulldownMachines and cables
V-Bar PulldownV-Bar PulldownMachines and cables
One-Arm Lat PulldownOne-Arm Lat PulldownMachines and cables
Smith Machine Bent-Over RowSmith Machine Bent-Over RowMachines and cables
Seated One-Arm Cable RowSeated One-Arm Cable RowMachines and cables
Iso-Lateral Machine RowIso-Lateral Machine RowMachines and cables
Kneeling High Pulley RowKneeling High Pulley RowMachines and cables

Sample workout

Templateback workout

Four exercises from the list: compounds first, then isolation. It's a template for one day; how many sets a muscle needs per week is in the volume guide, and how to progress is in the progressive overload guide.

Why machines and cables

A machine sets the path, and a cable keeps tension where a dumbbell goes slack — at the bottom of a raise or the top of a fly. There's nothing to stabilise, so you can safely take sets close to failure without a spotter, and changing the weight is moving a pin. For a beginner, machine back exercises are the easiest way in.

The downsides: a machine is built for an average person — adjust the seat and handles to fit you — and machines that look identical weigh differently from gym to gym. Only compare your numbers on the same machine.

Log your workouts — I'll show how many sets a week you give this group.

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