Cable

Face Pulls

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Posterior

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 6
Seated Cable Rows

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Infraspinatus + 5

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 3
Cable Triceps Pushdown

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Triceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Not added yet
Cable Lat Pulldown

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Latissimus Dorsi

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 7
Cable Biceps Curl

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Biceps Brachii

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 1
Cable Hammer Curl

Body Part:

Arms

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Brachioradialis

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1
Cable Crunch

Body Part:

Core

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Rectus Abdominis

Synergistic Muscles:

Obliques
Cable Shrug

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Trapezius Upper Fibers

Synergistic Muscles:

Trapezius Middle Fibers
Cable Front Raise

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Cable Bench Press

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Cable Lateral Raise One Arm

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Lat Pulldown Close Grip

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Latissimus Dorsi

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 6
Lat Pulldown Wide Grip

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Latissimus Dorsi

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 6
Seated Cable Row Wide Grip

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Infraspinatus + 5

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 2
Cable Kickback

Body Part:

Glutes

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Gluteus Maximus

Synergistic Muscles:

Hamstrings
Lat Pulldown Reverse Grip

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Latissimus Dorsi

Synergistic Muscles:

Brachialis + 5
Decline Cable Press

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Sternal Head

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 2
Cable Lat Pullover

Body Part:

Back

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Latissimus Dorsi

Synergistic Muscles:

Levator Scapulae + 3
Cable Chest Fly

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Sternal Head

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 2
Crucifix Lateral Raise

Body Part:

Shoulders

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Deltoid Lateral

Synergistic Muscles:

Deltoid Anterior + 1
Seated Cable Chest Fly

Body Part:

Chest

Equipment:

Cable

Primary Muscles:

Pectoralis Major Clavicular Head + 1

Synergistic Muscles:

Biceps Brachii + 1

Published April 13, 2025 — Last updated April 18, 2025

Cable machines offer one of the smoothest and most versatile training experiences in the gym. With constant tension throughout the movement and total control over angles, they’re perfect for isolation work and muscle growth.

Why Train with Cables?

Whether you're chasing a pump or refining your technique, cable machines bring unique advantages:

  • Constant Tension: Resistance stays active through the entire range of motion.
  • Customizable Angles: Hit muscles from different directions.
  • Safe & Controlled: Easy to adjust weight and isolate without strain.
  • Hypertrophy-Friendly: Ideal for slow eccentrics and focused contractions.

Cable vs Other Equipment

Here’s how cables stack up against other tools:

  • Barbells: Best for compound strength and heavy loads.
  • Dumbbells: Good for free motion, but resistance changes with gravity.
  • Machines: Fixed paths can feel restrictive compared to cables’ range.

Cables are an excellent middle ground between freedom and control.

Getting Started Safely

Cables are beginner-friendly, but a few tips go a long way:

  • Set the pulleys at the correct height for each movement.
  • Always control the weight — no snapping or jerking.
  • Use light weight first to get a feel for the motion.
  • Keep handles and attachments organized to avoid accidents.

Programming Cable Workouts

Cables shine in accessory work and supersets. Try these categories:

  • Upper Body Isolation: Cable curls, triceps pushdowns, lateral raises.
  • Chest & Back Finishers: Cable flyes, face pulls, straight-arm pulldowns.
  • Core Work: Cable crunches, woodchoppers, Pallof presses.

Use cables to complement your compound lifts and fine-tune form.

Precision, pump, and progress — that's the cable way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — cables offer enough resistance and control for effective hypertrophy training.

Definitely. They're low impact, easy to adjust, and help reinforce good form.

Isolation moves like curls, pushdowns, and flyes — but also great for core and mobility work.