Seated Row?

NavyMommy

Good morning!

I also posted this in the NROL4W group, but I'm not sure how active they are in the mornings.

I'm starting NROL4W this morning and have a question about seated rows. In the book it looks like she's on an adjustable cable machine sitting on the floor and has a plate in front of her heels to keep her far enough out. We do have that at my gym, but I've never seen anyone do that before.

We also have a machine just like this one http://www.buyfitness4less.com/site/item.asp?itemid=329 except more modern and you can adjust the weight in 5lb increments. Is this the same thing? Can I use this machine instead?

Thanks for the input!! I am a novice to weights and trying to learn as I go!

Elleinnz

The cable pulley system in the book is much better than that " modern" machine at your gym - the movent on that machine is very rigid, so I would not personally use it if I have the option to use a cable-row station.....

And yes - you are interpreting the exercise in the book right.... Some gyms actually have a seated row with a bench, so you don't need to sit on the floor

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/seated-cable-rows

NavyMommy

The cable pulley system in the book is much better than that " modern" machine at your gym - the movent on that machine is very rigid, so I would not personally use it if I have the option to use a cable-row station.....

And yes - you are interpreting the exercise in the book right.... Some gyms actually have a seated row with a bench, so you don't need to sit on the floor

http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/seated-cable-rows

Thanks for the help!! I wish we had a bench, or I had seen someone do that before on the floor, not sure if I'm ready to make waves yet, we'll see how crowded the gym is :)I can see how the cable would give you a better workout though.

KyliAnne26

Agreed! I also would chose the cable pulley over the machine any day. Your range-of motion on cables and free weights is greater than on those machines, which to me feel restrictive and awkward sometimes. Good luck!! Rows are great!

fishgutzy

Ditto to the cable pulley system.
The static machines stabilize for you. But seated row on the cable pulley system forces you to stabilize yourself. It take more work to maintain proper posture and thus works to the core much more.
My preference is for cables and free weights over fixed machines. Fixed machines have their purpose.
Rotary torso machine is cool. I can do the whole 165 pound stack. But one can also sit sideways on the seated row machine and work the same groups and work the stabilizing muscles more.