The Best Cable Machine Exercises

Top Exercises

Cable One Arm Lateral Raise

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Shoulders / isolation

A unilateral shoulder isolation that allows for better focus and fixes muscle imbalances. The cable provides high-tension work for the medial deltoid.

Cable Lying Fly

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

A chest isolation exercise performed on a bench. The cable setup ensures tension is maintained even at the top of the fly, unlike dumbbells.

Cable Lying Extension Pullover

Beginner / Seated Cable Row Machine / Chest / pull

A hybrid movement targeting the lats and triceps. It combines a pullover with an extension to maximize upper body tension and stretch.

Cable Bench Press

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / push

A chest exercise that uses cables to provide constant tension throughout the range of motion. It targets the pectorals while engaging stabilizers.

Cable Behind the Neck Pulldown

Beginner / Lat Pulldown Machine / Back / pull

A variation targeting the upper back and posterior deltoids. Note: Should be performed with caution to avoid shoulder impingement.

Cable Low Fly

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Chest / isolation

Targets the lower chest. The low-to-high pulling arc emphasizes the sternal head of the pectorals and improves chest definition.

Cable Lying Cross Lateral Raise

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Shoulders / isolation

Targets the rear deltoids and upper back. Crossing the cables while lying provides a unique angle of tension and stabilization for the shoulders.

Cable Lateral Raise

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Shoulders / isolation

A shoulder isolation exercise that provides constant tension on the medial deltoid. Cables keep the muscle engaged throughout the entire range of motion.

Close-Grip Curl

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Biceps / pull

A bicep curl variation that emphasizes the outer (long) head of the biceps, helping to build the bicep "peak."

Cable Standing One Arm Triceps Extension

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Triceps / isolation

A unilateral overhead movement that emphasizes the long head of the triceps. It improves shoulder stability and fixes arm symmetry.

Cable Kickback

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Triceps / isolation

A targeted isolation exercise for the gluteus maximus. The cable machine allows for a steady, resisted movement that keeps the glute engaged at the peak.