Back · Cable

Shotgun Row

Wide split stance, one cable, max stretch and squeeze per side.

Shotgun Row exercise demonstration
BackSecondary: BicepsCable

How to do it

  1. Set the pulley low and grab the handle, then take a wide split stance facing the machine.
  2. Step back until your arm is fully extended and your shoulder reaches forward.
  3. Drive your elbow back, pulling the handle to your ribs.
  4. Squeeze your lat, then extend out to a full stretch and repeat, then switch sides.

The one cue that matters

Let your shoulder reach forward at the bottom for a full stretch, then pull to your hip.

Muscles worked

The wide split stance and low pulley let you reach so far forward at the bottom that your lat gets a stretch a normal cable row never touches, shoulder rolling forward and all. From that lengthened position, driving the elbow to your ribs gives the back a huge arc of work per rep, with the biceps assisting the pull. One side at a time means every rep gets your full attention and neither lat can hide.

FAQ

What makes the shotgun row different from a regular single-arm cable row?

The reach. The split stance and forward shoulder reach at the bottom put the lat under a much deeper stretch before each pull, so the range of motion is longer and the stretch-to-squeeze contrast is bigger than a standard seated or standing cable row.

Should I rotate my torso during shotgun rows?

A little natural movement as your shoulder reaches forward is part of the exercise, but the pull itself should come from the lat driving the elbow back, not your torso whipping open. If you are twisting hard to move the weight, drop the stack.

How heavy should shotgun rows be?

Light enough to reach a full stretch at the bottom and a hard squeeze at your hip on every rep. This is a stretch-and-squeeze movement, not a load contest, so pick a weight that lets the full range survive the whole set.

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