Everyone dreams of a beautifully toned body. How can this be achieved? Alas, only through proper nutrition and regular exercise. Often users do not have enough time to go to the gym. You should consider getting functional equipment for your home gym. Their main task is to be foldable, compact and take up little space.

My top favourite piece of home gym equipment one can get is the cable machine, also known as the cable machine or trainer. This equipment looks like two frames with a crossbar similar to a pull-up bar. There are also sure to be ropes that, when stretched, affect rocking the chest and arm muscles.

These devices offer a choice of loading levels depending on the athlete’s fitness level and his or her desire to improve muscle tone. This type of machine is one of the devices that can be used for strength-training. This design can replace an entire gym, as with the right set-up and optimal common sense, you can work out your glutes (just like on the squat rack or using other leg machines), abs, back and chest.

A cable crossover machine is equivalent to barbell training but is safer and in some cases much more effective.

Functional trainer cable machine eliminates the severe injuries that can occur when exercising with a heavy barbell.

Main advantages of the cable machine

  • It can be used to recover from severe injuries and operations. Knees, feet, arms and chest muscles can be developed effectively.
  • A considerable number of different exercises that aim to strengthen most of the body’s muscles.
  • The athlete holds his balance. Support is available to prevent incorrect lunges and forward bending during specific exercises.
  • Another advantage of using a cable machine is the installation of TRX loops and the use of a block to improve your jerk technique. For example, American football players make short bursts of acceleration from their seats using a bottom block and a carabiner belt. Yes, this exercise cannot be called conventional or traditional for this trainer, but it does allow for the development of other athletic qualities.

Main disadvantages of the cable machine

There are a few disadvantages to this simulator.

  • The first and very controversial is its modest stock of weight plates. Usually, the load is up to 100kg. Some athletes use dumbbells to increase the load, but this is not safe when increasing the working weight. In principle, for most average gym-goers, the slab reserve is quite sufficient. The trainer is designed to work the muscles to the maximum and serve as a supplementary load to the basic exercises performed with free weights.
  • The lack of the ability to work out with combined weights. But as already mentioned, this trainer is an excellent addition to free weight training for athletes of all levels.
  • A type of exercise such as a pull-up can be performed in a variety of ways.
  • The blocks can be pulled while standing, sitting, using a bench and even kneeling. Each way of exercising allows you to work your muscles to a different extent. Each version of the same exercise may have other effects.
  • Cable machine work can replace many exercises on different fitness machines.
  • The best cable machine gives the muscles a more precise outline and better shape.
  • The constant muscle tension during exercise is also a definite plus.
  • Many of the exercises engage the stabiliser muscles, which is a definite plus.
  • The cable machine design allows you to stretch your muscles as effectively as possible, which supplies them with blood and oxygen.
  • The cable crossover machine allows you to perform different exercises on the same muscle group. You can complete any exercise at different angles, placing the rope lower or higher, selecting the required amplitude.

Best cable machines in 2021

Today we’re going to look at some state-of-the-art cable crossover machine that can help you build muscle if you work out regularly. All units are reliable, durable and, most importantly, very efficient. The rankings include:

  • DFC D1007
  • DFC D1008
  • Body-Solid Powerline PCCO90X
  • DFC D700
  • DFC D10085
  • DFC POWERGYM D956 corner
  • Body-Solid GDCC210
  • Powerline PCCO90X Cable Crossover
  • XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine
  • FreeMotion Dual Cable Cross Cable Machine

1st place. DFC D1007

DFC D1007 is one of the best cable machines, it is complex will help keep your body in good physical shape. The machine is multifunctional and very accessible to the average user. The classic weight-block model is an excellent buy for the professional athlete and beginner for home gym exercises and warm-ups.

Has 2 weight stacks, and is weighing 75 kg. It is suitable for weighing 120 kilograms and weighing 206 kg, it requires its own dedicated space. There is a pull-up bar, which is quite strong and sturdy.

Average rating – 5.0

Pros

  • * A reliable and renowned manufacturer.
  • * Robust body.
  • * Low price.
  • * An in-demand model.
  • * There is a pull-up bar.

Minuses

  • * Not identified.

2nd place. DFC D1008

The DFC D1008 is also one of the best cable machines. This cable crossover machine can help you strengthen and build up your chest, back and arms in a short time.

The single-sided model ranks second in our ranking because of its low cost and compact size. Even a small room can now accommodate full-fledged sports equipment for vigorous physical activity. Has 1 weight stack and 14 weight plates. A twist handle is included, and a long handle is also available. Mounted with sturdy fasteners, it weighs 109 kg.

Average rating – 4.5

The average price is 23,000 roubles.

Pros

  • * A renowned manufacturer.
  • * an attractive price.
  • * Suitable for beginners and rehabilitation after injury.
  • * Compact.

Minuses

  • * Not suitable for professional athletes, more for amateurs.

3rd place. Body-Solid Powerline PCCO90X

The Body-Solid Powerline PCCO90X is a home gym suitable machine with a sturdy frame.

It can help you achieve great results and get your body in perfect shape. The sturdy construction of the trainer will pump up your legs, arms and back. You can find many exercises online, or you can consult a trainer who will prepare a personalised programme for you. The steel frame will not sway or warp over time, and the body colour is grey. The manufacturer gives a one-year warranty on this equipment for home gym.

Average rating – 4.5

The average price is 44,000 roubles.

Pros

  • * Sturdy steel frame.
  • * Robust body.
  • * You can do exercises for your arms, legs and abs.
  • * Versatility.
  • * Affordability.

Minuses

  • * Not identified.

4th place. DFC D700

The DFC D700 is the best cable crossover for the home gym, already close to professional units. A strength-trainer will help you get your body in shape and pump up the muscle groups of your choice. There are 2 stacks, each weighing 60 kg.

This machine can hold a maximum load of 120 kg. This machine has a scale in its design, you can adjust each unit, fitted with casters. The manufacturer has equipped the trainer with a pull-up bar.

Average rating – 4.6

The average price is 79,000 roubles.

Pros

  • * Sturdy solid steel frame.
  • * A chinning bar that allows you to pull up with a wide grip.
  • * The design includes 2 stacks with a total weight of 120 kg.
  • * Lots of hyphae and pens for all sorts of exercises.

Minuses

  • * High cost.

5th place. DFC D10085

The DFC D10085 is not the first machine from a Chinese manufacturer in our ranking. The company’s fitness equipment stands out from the competition due to its affordable price and optimum component quality. The multifunctional power cable machine has a weight stack of 50 kg in its design.

DFC D10085 is suitable for everyone regardless of height and weight. Helps work the body muscles, including the buttocks, abs and back. The machine is equipped with good quality upper and lower pulleys that will allow you to train effectively. The manufacturer gives a one-year warranty on its appliance.

Average rating – 4.3

Pros

  • * Pretty compact.
  • * Fits even in a small flat.
  • * Sturdy steel frame.
  • * Affordable price.
  • * Mounts to the wall.
  • * Different bars and handles with anti-slip coating.

Minuses

  • * Not identified.

6th place. DFC POWERGYM D956 corner

This cable crossover machine is designed for strength-training exercises. The corner design allows the unit to be placed even in a modestly sized room. A very ergonomic housing saves space. Equipped with sturdy and durable casters in the lower and upper units.

DFC POWERGYM D956 is the best cable crossover for beginners as well as is suitable for beginners. The steel profile frame makes the cable machine convenient for heavier athletes, and the unit is painted black. This stylish, compact piece of equipment is a lifesaver for the muscular and physically active.

Average rating – 4.3

Pros

  • * Best value for money in our ranking.
  • * A renowned brand name manufacturer.
  • * Steel frame.
  • * A pull-up bar is available.
  • * Footrest.
  • * Excellent set of grips and handles.

Minuses

  • * Not identified.

7th place. Body-Solid GDCC210

This cable machine helps you work for different muscle groups by exercising your arms, legs, abs and back. Equipped with a sturdy steel frame that is durable and will not deform under stress.

The rubberised anti-slip handles allow for a firm grip. You can do pull-ups, push-ups and deadlifts with this trainer. The manufacturer guarantees the appliance for 1 year.

Average rating – 4.6

Average price – RUB 144,000

Pros

  • * Designed for professional and home gym.
  • * Sturdy steel frame.
  • * All athletes of all sizes can do it.
  • * 2 stacks of 72.5 kilos each.

Minuses

  • * High cost.
  • * Dimensions.

We’ve selected seven cable machine that can be used to perform presses, pull-ups, twists and many other useful exercises to work for different muscle groups. All of the above cable crossover machines are intended for home gym, but some can be placed in a gym. 

Get yourself a cable machine like this and friends and family will admire your slim, trim body. And not just for that, as exercise on a cable machine will improve your endurance and strengthen your cardiovascular system.

Top 20 cable machine exercises

Standing arm curl

This cable machine exercise is highly effective for working out the pecs. The technique works the lower and inner part of the large pectoral muscles well. By moving the body and changing the arm movement vector, you can change the emphasis to other parts of the pectoral muscles.

Crossover pullover

This exercise builds the broadest muscles of the back and the lower part of the pecs. But this exercise is secondary and is performed to maximise the load and stretch the chest muscles. Pullovers are usually done at the end to let your muscles relax.

3 Horizontal block pull

This exercise is performed sitting down and aims to shape the back’s muscles, namely the broadest muscles. This cable machine exercise eliminates dangerous strain on the back, specifically the spine and particularly the lumbar spine

Lowering straight arms from the upper block while standing

The exercise is designed to strengthen the back. Lower your arms only with your back muscles’ effort and do not allow your elbows to bend or help your shoulder muscles. This exercise requires a straight handle. However, make sure you keep your back tight and straightforward to avoid any injuries.

French press on the lower block

This is a highly effective exercise that allows you to concentratedly train your triceps while lying on a bench. For a good workout of the triceps brachii individual bundle, you can perform different exercise variations using different hand positions.

Crossover leg drive

Allows you to tighten the drive surface of the thigh. For this purpose, a striking shin strap is attached to the lower unit using a carabiner.

Leg extension in the crossover backwards

The exercise is performed in the lower crossover unit to work the glutes and thigh biceps. This exercise can be achieved with a bench rest and standing.

Arm curls on the upper block standing with a reverse grip

This exercise effectively works the lateral head of the triceps brachii and forearm. The disadvantage of the technique is the heavy strain on the thumbs.

Arm curls from the upper block

This exercise can be called the most effective for triceps crossover training. This exercise allows you to work all the muscle heads, and the emphasis on a particular bundle is done with different hand positions on the bar-grip (medium, narrow or vertical grip). The exercise can also be performed with a rope handle. This way, you can train the lateral part of the muscle. This exercise gives the triceps a perfect outline.

Arm curls from the lower block

Arm curls can be done in many different ways. A crossbar grip can be attached to the cable,. The grip width can be adjusted, or you can perform the exercise with a cable grip. With this type of clasp, you can train your biceps as concentrated as possible individually. Vertical or neutral grip bends are an excellent alternative to the hammer dumbbell arm bend.

Lower block pull for standing deltoids

The exercise is an excellent alternative to the chin-up barbell pull. This cable crossover machine exercise effectively works the front and middle delts. To do this, grasp the straight grip with a narrow grip, get close to the block and lift the hold to the chin, aiming with your elbows towards the ceiling.

Pull-ups with different palm positions

The trainer is equipped with a crossbar that can be used to train your back muscles and biceps by exercising with your own body weight.

Arms out to the side in the lower block

This exercise is designed to train the middle part of the deltoid and is an alternative to the dumbbell side extension. This exercise can be done in a fixed position by grasping the unique handrail with your free hand, which gives better concentration and stability.

Two-handed cross-breaks of the upper blocks

The exercise forms the outline of the posterior deltoid bundles. No grips are needed to perform the exercise. Stand in the centre, then grasp the edge of the upper block opposite the hand and the second block’s border with the other hand. It is essential to bend slightly backwards so that the arms work in full amplitude during the side-to-side cross-breaks.

Lower block reduction in a supine position

The chest exercise is performed on a horizontal bench with a crossover and a 30 and 45-degree bar. Use two hands to grip the lower units of the cable machine with the special grips.

Arm extensions on the back delta

The exercise is performed in the lower block with one arm in an incline. Stand sideways to the cable machine, wrap one arm around the handle and raise the arm to the side, swinging with the rear delta.

Standing lower block lat pulldown to the waist.

The exercise is performed with a straight grip, identical to the barbell bent-over pull or an L-shaped grip. To do this, grip the handle with a medium grip – shoulder-width apart.

Front swings from the bottom block with both hands

Available with a straight or rope handle. Turn with your back to the cable machine, place the string between your legs and swing straight arms forward.

Arms extension from behind the head from the lower block

Can be performed with a rope or straight handle. Turn with your back to the block and place your hands above your head while keeping a slight forward bend.

Priest

The exercise is designed to strengthen and tighten the rectus abdominis muscle. You can perform the exercise either standing or kneeling, the main thing is to do the crossover movement with the power of your abs.