The Best Cable Machine Exercises

Top Exercises

Straight Back Seated Row

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Back / pull

A strict form row that emphasizes isolation of the lats and rhomboids by eliminating torso movement and momentum.

Lat Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A foundational vertical pulling movement for back development. It targets the latissimus dorsi, building both strength and width in the upper body.

One Arm Lateral Raise

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Shoulders / isolation

A unilateral shoulder isolation move targeting the medial deltoid. Working one side at a time allows for maximum focus and prevents cheating with momentum.

Middle Fly

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

Targets the mid-chest fibers. This isolation exercise emphasizes the peak contraction and horizontal abduction strength of the pectorals.

Kneeling Triceps Extension

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / isolation

An isolation exercise for the triceps that reduces the ability to use leg drive or momentum, resulting in higher muscle activation.

Cable Seated Crunch

Beginner / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Abs / core

A machine-based abdominal exercise that allows for heavy resistance and precise control over the rectus abdominis.

Cable Reverse Crunch

Intermediate / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Abs / core

A core exercise targeting the lower abdominals. The cable resistance adds a unique challenge to the eccentric phase of the movement.

Cable Reverse Grip Pushdown

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / push

A triceps exercise that shifts the focus to the medial head. The underhand grip promotes a unique contraction and reduces wrist strain for some users.

Cable Hanging Leg Raise

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Abs / core

An advanced core exercise. Attaching cables to the feet adds resistance to the hip flexors and lower abdominals during the hanging lift.

Upper Chest Crossovers

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

A targeted chest exercise for the clavicular head. The low-to-high pulling arc provides a unique stimulus for upper pectoral development.

Standing Fly

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

A chest isolation exercise performed in a standing position, usually with cables or bands. it targets the pectorals while challenging core stability.

Cable Wrist Curl

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Forearms / pull

An isolation exercise for the forearm flexors. The cable provides constant tension throughout the entire range of motion, unlike traditional dumbbells.