Back
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Shotgun Row
Learn how to do the Shotgun Row exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Cable
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Beginner
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Back
Secondary support can come from Arms.
Strength
Movement pattern: pull. This is a compound exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Shotgun Row
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- 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.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the back region.
- Trains multiple joints at once, which can make your sessions more efficient.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Letting momentum do the work instead of controlling the full rep.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutBack and Biceps Workout
A straightforward back and biceps workout with vertical pulls, rows, and direct arm work.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown is a beginner strength that mainly trains your back using cable.
View exerciseKneeling High Pulley Row
Kneeling High Pulley Row is a beginner strength that mainly trains your back using cable.
View exerciseKneeling Single-Arm High Pulley Row
Kneeling Single-Arm High Pulley Row is a beginner strength that mainly trains your back using cable.
View exerciseOne Arm Lat Pulldown
One Arm Lat Pulldown is a beginner strength that mainly trains your back using cable.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Shotgun Row.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Shotgun Row work?
Shotgun Row mainly works the back. It can also involve arms depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Shotgun Row beginner-friendly?
Yes. This exercise is listed as beginner-friendly, which usually means the setup and learning curve are more manageable.
What equipment do I need for Shotgun Row?
You will usually need Cable for this variation.
How should I progress Shotgun Row?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
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