Seeking a versatile workout with a cable crossover machine?

In this blog, we dive into the best cable crossover machines of 2024, from space-saving home gym models to commercial-grade options, including machines with innovative features and adjustable settings.

Boasting over 18 years of experience in exercise and fitness equipment, we’ve supported countless fitness enthusiasts and gym owners in enhancing their workout regimes. Our carefully curated selection of cable crossover machines has been rigorously tested in various training environments, ensuring they meet a wide range of fitness goals while offering durability, functionality, and ergonomic design.

Top 8 Cable Crossover Machines for 2024

Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer

In addition to its robust construction, this cable crossover machine is filled with plenty of features for users of all skill levels and is extremely helpful. There is no need for additional parts since this is an all-in-one cable tower machine that contains everything you need.

Steel construction, sleek and modern design, matte black powder coating, and heavy-duty construction are the attributes of this unit. There are two fully adjustable pulleys connecting the pulleys to the pull-up bar. The lever-base lock system of this desk enables you to adjust the height in 30 different positions. In this case, all movements can be performed in any direction. There are two 165-pound weight stacks included in this model, so you do not need to add extra stacks.

Additional support equipment has been included in the set, including a curl bar, chin/dip belt, triceps pushdown ropes, and D handles to help individuals who are performing heavier exercises. Additional abdominal bars and benches can be added at an additional cost if you prefer a complete selection of equipment. Among the best cable machines for home gyms, the Inspire Fitness FTX has this capability.

In addition, you do not have to use your own tools to assemble the machine because it comes with all of the necessary tools. This shows that the maker is thorough.
A total of 544 pounds is the weight of the assembled item, which measures 40 inches x 54 inches x 85 inches (L x W x H). A cable crossover machine like this is one of the best we’ve found, and it has everything you need for a complete home gym. It has received many positive ratings from reviewers.

What We Like

  • Pulley height can be adjusted to 30 different levels with this easy-to-use mechanism.
  • You do not need to purchase any weight stacks since two 165-pound stacks are included.
  • The sturdy, robust construction is of superior quality.
  • The pull-up bar and many accessories are included.
  • Small and compact, it takes up very little space.

What We Don’t Like

  • Quite expensive.

Marcy Smith Machine Cable Crossover Combo

A great cable crossover for a home gym, this machine has it all. With a wide range of fitness exercises, it covers most of your body.

A Marcy Smith cable crossover combination machine combines multiple machines, including a chin-up bar, a Smith machine, a built-in bench, and an adjustable leg developer. You can target each specific part of your body with this multipurpose machine that can help you form a full range of strength exercises. This machine does not have adjustable pulleys at the top, as they are fixed there.

You can use the chest fly station, the central pulleys, or the bench for lower positions. Due to the use of aircraft steel in the construction of its cables, this drawback is balanced. They are designed to bear loads up to 2000 pounds. There are many useful attachments included in the Marcy Smith machine, including two standard handles, a rope, a V bar, a straight bar, and an ankle strap. Despite those plates not being included in the package, the system works with Olympic plates.

In terms of dimensions, the cage is 65 inches by 79.25 inches by 84.5 inches (L by W by H) while the bench is 68.25 inches by 26 inches by 45.5 inches. Anyone looking for a cable crossover machine that is all-in-one is sure to appreciate this product, especially for the reasonably priced price tag that is attached to all of the included features.

What We Like

  • All-in-one machine that is affordable.
  • Flexible and durable.
  • Machine with multi-functionality.
  • The kit includes a lot of accessories.
  • Olympic plates are compatible.

What We Don’t Like

  • There is no adjustment for the pulleys.
  • You will need to buy weight plates separately.

Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym

It has more than 25 cable crossover exercises for the whole body and is one of the top cable crossover alternatives on the market. You can perform many exercises using a pulley strap or a sitting bench.

With the handles attached either to the upper pulleys or lower ones, you can easily adjust the height. Exercises can be performed using the 200-pound resistance without purchasing any additional weights. As a result of the large variety of workouts that can be performed using the pulley system and built-in bench, from strength exercises to cardio exercises to aerobic exercises, the array of possible workouts is vast and varied. Moreover, the padding delivers ergonomic support and does so while also supporting your muscles while you perform heavy lifting.

There is also a built-in media rack that may be of particular interest to you so that you can use your phone or tablet as you are working out and burn calories at the same time.

All in all, the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym offers all the fantastic features you’d hope for in an excellent machine. The machine, without a doubt, is one of the very best cable crossovers available. Sets like this are ideal for those on a budget who want a multifunctional and compact piece of fitness equipment.

What We Like

  • It’s very affordable.
  • No additional weights are needed since this machine offers 200 pounds of resistance.
  • With integrated media racks and benches.
  • The handles feature two grips.

What We Don’t Like

  • Pulley heights are limited to two.

Cable Crossover Machines: What You Should Consider

Footprint and Size

Whether it’s a large garage or a small home office, there are plenty of options for home gyms. Freeweights or another type of equipment take up much less space than cable machines.

Consider whether the machine and extra clearance will fit under the ceiling height before adding a chin-up bar to your crossover station, for example.

You might save some floor space by installing a wall-mounted machine. If you’re looking for a fully equipped machine with a small footprint, the Body-Solid BFFT10R is an excellent alternative.

Weight Capacity

Choosing the right weight for your heaviest exercises is the next thing to keep in mind. If you’re going to do lateral raises or bicep curls, then whatever machine you choose needs to have both the weight stack and resistance ratio sufficient for the exercise.

If your machine has plate-loaded attachments and cables, make sure the attachments and cables have enough weight capacity to handle the weight you intend to use. If you use a cable machine excessively, you run the risk of harming yourself, so be careful.

In this review, the two machines with the highest maximum weights are the Rogue CT-1, which has a 240 lb weight limit, and the XMark functional trainer, which has two 200 lb stacks.

Versatility

As a final consideration, the best cable crossover machine will allow you to perform any exercise you would like! BD-61 from Valor Fitness, which has four 180-degree handle attachments and a chin-up bar, may be the best cable machine for your home gym.

Pull-ups can be performed at the Powerline PCCO90X with a full range of motion and a lot of clearance.

Cable Crossover Machine Exercises

Cable Crossover

Cable crossover is an isolation exercise for the chest, hence its name. Pec muscles can be worked at low angles, middle angles, or high angles by placing the pulleys at different angles.

The hands should be extended on either side for a cable crossover. Put your hands forward and lean forward at the hips while you squeeze your chest. The hands should be crossed over each other, then slowly returned to the starting position through a slow, bending motion. This exercise should be performed slowly and without using momentum.

Tricep Pushdown

As a next step, we’ll focus on the triceps using the high pulley. Stand with your elbows at your sides, facing the pulley, while using a bar or rope attachment.

You should extend your elbows when bringing the bar towards your hips while keeping your upper arms locked. At the bottom of the movement, lock out your arms by squeezing your triceps.

Slowly resist the weight while returning your arms to their starting position.

Cable Lateral Leg Raise

Exercises for the lower body can also be performed with cable machines. Exercises such as lateral leg lifts or cable hip abductions strengthen your hip muscles and tone your thighs and glutes at the same time.

You will use an ankle strap attachment for this exercise, and it will be placed on the lowest cable setting. Hold the attached leg farther away from the pulley by standing side-on. Hold the foot out to the side, bracing your core and squeezing your glutes while you raise it out to the side.
Slowly lower to the starting position after you have lifted the leg as far as possible without leaning or swinging it.

Single Pulley vs Double Pulley: Why Some Weights Feel Heavier

Similarly-sized amounts of weight may seem much heavier on one machine than the other when you lift them on the same machine. Different cable machines use different numbers of pulleys. Due to this, resistance ratios differ.

Cable machines can have as many pulleys as they want. A 1:1 or 2:1 ratio is typical. On a 1:1 machine, for instance, if you select 50 pounds of resistance, the weight will need to be lifted with 50 pounds of force. With two pulleys, a machine can move 50 lbs with only 25 pounds of force. There is a lift because of the pulleys.

Make sure you have enough weight for your workouts when you purchase a cable machine for your home gym. Suppose a machine has a weight stack of 200 pounds, but a 2:1 ratio, which means the maximum resistance is 100 pounds.

Remember this rule when using a different machine, and adjust accordingly if the weight feels different.

FAQs on Cable Crossover Machines

What muscle does cable crossover work with?

The pectoralis major, or chest muscle, is the primary muscle that the cable crossover targets. Additionally, it engages the front deltoids (shoulders) and the triceps to a smaller extent, making it a compound exercise.

Are cable crossover machines worth it?

Yes, for many people, cable crossover machines are a valuable addition to a gym, especially if targeting the chest from various angles is a priority. The machine offers versatility, allowing for a range of exercises beyond just the cable crossover, making it suitable for both upper and lower body workouts.

Is cable crossover good for the chest?

Absolutely. The cable crossover is particularly effective for isolating the chest muscles and can target different parts of the chest based on the height of the pulleys. It provides constant tension throughout the movement, leading to better muscle activation compared to some free-weight exercises.

What is the best cable crossover machine?

The “best” machine can vary based on personal needs, budget, and available space. Brands like Life Fitness, Body-Solid, and Powertec have received positive reviews for their cable crossover machines. However, always consider current reviews, your budget, and specific needs when purchasing equipment.

How effective is cable crossover?

The cable crossover is highly effective for chest development when done correctly. Its ability to maintain tension on the muscle throughout the movement and target different angles makes it a popular choice for those aiming for well-defined pecs.

What are the benefits of crossover exercise?

  • Muscle Development: Primarily targets the chest but also engages the deltoids and triceps.
  • Versatility: The height of the pulleys can be adjusted to target different parts of the chest.
  • Constant Tension: Cables ensure that tension is maintained on the muscle throughout the entire movement.
  • Range of Motion: Provides a wide range of motion, which can be beneficial for muscle flexibility and joint health.
  • Safety: The controlled movement can be safer than free weights for some people, especially when lifting heavy objects without a spotter.
  • Isolation: Great for isolating the chest, especially when one wants to work on muscle imbalances.

As with any exercise, proper form is crucial. If you’re new to the cable crossover or any gym equipment, consider seeking guidance from a fitness professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Cable crossover machines are one of the best investments that you can make if you need a single piece of equipment that can handle a multitude of exercises. With this one machine, you will be able to perform exercises targeting several major muscle groups without needing a full gym.

As you now understand, there are a wide variety of cable machines to choose from, but remember that you get what you pay for. Buying the cheapest machine that you see is never a good idea. Exercise equipment that is too cheap might be able to do the job, but it won’t last as long as appliances that last longer.

Invest in your future health as well as in your new cable crossover machine.