How to Do Shotgun Row
Start and end of one clean rep of Shotgun Row.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Back |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Biceps |
| Equipment | Cable |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Shotgun Row
- Attach a single handle to a low cable.
- After selecting the correct weight, stand a couple feet back with a wide-split stance. Your arm should be extended and your shoulder forward. This will be your starting position.
- Perform the movement by retracting the shoulder and flexing the elbow. As you pull, supinate the wrist, turning the palm upward as you go.
- After a brief pause, return to the starting position.
Muscles worked
- Back (primary): pulls the arms down and toward the torso and keeps the spine stable.
- Biceps (secondary): bends the elbow and turns the palm up during pulls and curls.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Start each rep by pulling the shoulder blades in first, then drive with the elbows — think of pulling with the elbows, not the hands.
- Keep tension on the cable through the whole range — pause before the stack touches down instead of letting it crash.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.
Common mistakes
- Yanking with the arms and forgetting the back, so the biceps give out before the target muscle does.
- Letting the stack yank the working muscle back at the end of each rep.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Shotgun Row work?
Shotgun Row mainly works the back, with the biceps helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Shotgun Row?
Shotgun Row needs a cable station with the right handle attachment.
How many sets and reps should I do for Shotgun Row?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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