Equipment
Cable Exercises
Cable machines provide constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, unlike free weights where tension varies. This makes them excellent for hypertrophy training and isolation work. The adjustable pulley positions allow training from any angle.
Why Train with Cable
Key benefits of this equipment type
Constant tension throughout movement
Adjustable angles for targeting muscles precisely
Safer than free weights for some movements
Excellent for isolation and finishing exercises
Easy to change weights quickly for drop sets
Training Tips
Get the most out of your cable training
Control the weight - don't let it control you
Experiment with different handle attachments
Use single-arm variations for imbalance correction
Great for burnout sets at the end of workouts
Shop Cable Equipment
Recommended gear to get started (affiliate links)
Functional Trainer
Dual cable machine for home gyms
Cable Attachment Set
Various handles and bars
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All Cable Exercises
Browse 81 exercises using cable
Alternating Cable Shoulder Press
Shoulders
Bent Over Low-Pulley Side Lateral
Shoulders
Bosu Ball Cable Crunch With Side Bends
Abdominals
Cable Chest Press
Chest
Cable Crossover
Chest
Cable Crunch
Abdominals
Cable Deadlifts
Quadriceps
Cable Hammer Curls - Rope Attachment
Biceps
Cable Hip Adduction
Quadriceps
Cable Incline Pushdown
Lats
Cable Incline Triceps Extension
Triceps
Cable Internal Rotation
Shoulders
Cable Iron Cross
Chest
Cable Judo Flip
Abdominals
Cable Lying Triceps Extension
Triceps
Cable One Arm Tricep Extension
Triceps
Cable Preacher Curl
Biceps
Cable Rear Delt Fly
Shoulders
Cable Reverse Crunch
Abdominals
Cable Rope Overhead Triceps Extension
Triceps
Cable Rope Rear-Delt Rows
Shoulders
Cable Russian Twists
Abdominals
Cable Seated Crunch
Abdominals
Cable Seated Lateral Raise
Shoulders
Cable Shoulder Press
Shoulders
Cable Shrugs
Traps
Cable Wrist Curl
Forearms
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown
Lats
Elevated Cable Rows
Lats
External Rotation with Cable
Shoulders
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cable training
Are cables better than free weights?
Neither is universally better. Free weights build more stabilizer strength; cables provide constant tension. Best programs use both strategically.
What are the best cable exercises?
Face pulls, cable rows, tricep pushdowns, cable flyes, and lat pulldowns are excellent. Cables shine for shoulder and arm isolation work.
Can I build muscle with just cables?
Yes, but you'd be missing out on the stabilization benefits of free weights. Cables work best as part of a complete program.
Ready to start training?
Check out our workout programs that include cable exercises.