StrengthBackCable Machine15 MinutesBeginner

15 Minutes Beginner Back Workout with Cable Machine

A 15 minutes strength workout targeting your back using cable machine equipment. 3 exercises, 14 total sets, designed for beginner lifters.

15 Minutes

Duration

14

Total Sets

3-6 reps

Rep Range

~245

Est. Calories

The Workout

1
Single-Arm Cable Row
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Start with this as your primary movement. Warm up with 2 lighter sets first.

Form cues
  • Set the cable to belly-button height and stand in a staggered stance for balance.
  • Pull the handle toward your hip, leading with your elbow and squeezing your shoulder blade back.
  • Keep your torso square — resist the urge to rotate toward the working side.
2
Straight-Arm Pulldown
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
beginner

Stand facing a high cable with feet shoulder-width apart.

Form cues
  • Stand facing a high cable with feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Grip the bar with straight arms, hands slightly wider than shoulders.
  • Hinge forward slightly and pull the bar down to your thighs in an arc.
3
Seated Cable Row
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
beginner

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Sit with a slight bend in your knees and feet braced against the platform.
  • Keep your torso upright or lean forward slightly at the start, then pull back to perpendicular.
  • Pull the handle to your lower abdomen, squeezing your shoulder blades together.

Why This Workout Works

This workout is built around the principles of strength training. Center your program around the big compound lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press. Use heavy loads (80-95% 1RM) with low reps and full recovery between sets. Periodize intensity — not every session should be a max effort.

Training Parameters

  • Rep Range: 3-6 repsheavy enough for maximal force production
  • Rest Periods: 3-5 minutesfull recovery between heavy sets
  • Sets Per Exercise: 4-6 sets — optimized for strength

Back Training Tips

  • *Initiate every pull by squeezing your shoulder blades together — think about pulling with your elbows, not your hands.
  • *Use straps on heavy rows so grip fatigue does not limit back development.
  • *Include both vertical pulls (pulldowns, pull-ups) and horizontal pulls (rows) in your program.

Get this back workout personalized for you

Revy's AI will analyze your training history, recovery status, and strength levels to customize every set, rep, and weight for maximum strength results.