During the seated cable row, what is critical for maintaining proper form?

Maintaining proper form during the seated cable row is essential for effectively targeting the intended muscle groups and preventing injury. The correct answer highlights the importance of towel placement between the torso and humerus, as this can facilitate better positioning and alignment during the movement.

By placing a towel in this manner, the individual is encouraged to maintain an optimal distance between their torso and arms, which helps in keeping the shoulders in a more neutral position and allows for a greater range of motion. This assists in activating the back muscles more effectively, particularly the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi, while also minimizing unwanted strain on the shoulders or lower back.

Proper form is crucial in exercises like the seated cable row, as it ensures that the primary muscles being worked are correctly engaged, while also reducing the risk of injury that can occur from improper mechanics or excessive compensation by other muscle groups.