Jacqueline
Deputy Writer from Forbes.com, at ForbesMeet Jacqueline, the deputy writer and editor extraordinaire hailing from Boston. With a decade of experience under her belt at Forbes.com, where she most recently served as editor, Jacqueline is no stranger to the world of lifestyle publications. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, from product reviews to how-to guides, and she approaches each assignment with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence. When she's not crafting compelling content, Jacqueline...
Jacqueline
Deputy Writer from Forbes.com, at ForbesMeet Jacqueline, the deputy writer and editor extraordinaire hailing from Boston. With a decade of experience under her belt at Forbes.com, where she most recently served as editor, Jacqueline is no stranger to the world of lifestyle publications. Her expertise spans a wide range of topics, from product reviews to how-to guides, and she approaches each assignment with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence. When she's not crafting compelling content, Jacqueline...
The cable crossover machine is an extremely versatile piece of fitness equipment.
The process of highlighting all the different exercise types you can perform while using it would be extremely difficult. Training our bodies in their entirety is possible. When I work out my whole body, I always include cable weight machine exercises for definition, versatility, or targeting certain areas I can’t reach with free weights.
A garage gym or your own home gym is something that interests you?
An investment of this type can be costly, but it is a one-time cost. Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the costs. It will save you a lot of time and effort to invest in a cable machine rather than constantly replacing broken parts.
Listed below are the top-rated cable machines, their reviews, and some advice on how to choose one. You will know at the end which method is best for you.
How will you benefit from this article?
The Best Cable Crossover Machine 2023
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. The pulleys are connected to the pull-up bar by two fully adjustable pulleys. 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 must 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.
- 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 of superior quality.
- The pull-up bar and many accessories are included.
- Small and compact, it takes up very little space.
- 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. This drawback is balanced by the high quality of its materials, as its cables are made from aircraft steel. 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 x 79.25 inches x 84.5 inches (L x W x H) while the bench is 68.25 inches x 26 inches x 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.
- 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.
- 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 you 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 and who want a multifunctional and compact piece of fitness equipment.
- 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.
- Pulley heights are limited to two.
Whether it’s a large garage or a small home office, there are plenty of options for home gyms. Free weights 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. 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. 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, maybe 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 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 starting position through a slow, bending motion. This exercise should be performed slowly and without using momentum. 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, lockout your arms by squeezing your triceps. Slowly resist the weight while returning your arms to their starting position. 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. 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.Cable Crossover Machines: What You Should Consider
Footprint and Size
Weight Capacity
Versatility
Cable Crossover Machine Exercises
Cable Crossover
Tricep Pushdown
Cable Lateral Leg Raise
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
FAQs – Best Cable Crossover Machine 2023
If you have browsed the market and seen above, there are many different options available today for cable crossovers. As a result, picking one that suits you best is quite challenging. You should consider a few things before shopping, which I have listed above. Home gyms usually have cable crossovers as the largest piece of equipment. When checking out the desired item, you should be careful. When practicing the various drills on the exercise machine, make sure you leave a few feet at the front and sides. Furthermore, chin-ups and pull-ups require a place above the bar. This unit has a large footprint, so make sure you decide where it will go. Each cable crossover machine has a different maximum weight. Your long-term development will be better if the number is higher. In the future, people who intend to lift heavy weights should opt for machines that weigh 200 pounds per side. If you are doing weight training as a hobby, 100-150 lbs of weight per side should be adequate. Weight stacks come with cable machines in most cases. As a result, upgrading them is not possible. It is better to choose a crossover station that can be upgraded. A lat bar, short bar, v-bar, sometimes even ankle cuffs are included in most machines. It is sufficient to start with these accessories. Other accessories may be purchased in the future. It would be necessary to seek out appropriate equipment and spend extra money if the attached attachments weren’t included. However, cable crossover machines are quite expensive, despite the availability of cheaper models. Thankfully, we get safe and effective weight training equipment that works just like a real gym and that will protect us from any breaks or damage. Keeping track of what you’re paying is always a smart choice. I’ll be honest with you, assembling a cable machine is not easy. The instructions come with the products, but you’ll need some tools and a helping hand. We must be cautious when assembling a cable crossover as it consists of many parts. When you are unable to solve the problem on your own, you should seek the assistance of an expert.Why is a cable exercise machine a good investment?
What is your storage capacity?
Can the machine handle a certain amount of weight?
How many accessories does the machine come with?
Does there exist a spending limit?
Crossover stations are very complicated to assemble. How complicated is the assembly?
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 is 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.