When it comes to setting up a home gym, investing in versatile equipment can make all the difference, and the Cable Crossover Machine is a prime example of that versatility. It’s an essential tool that offers a full range of motion exercises, targeting multiple muscle groups with precision.
Understanding the importance of this machine, wgap.ws have meticulously curated a selection of the best Cable Crossover Machines designed specifically for home gyms.
As you explore our collection, I’ll guide you through their unique features, build quality, and the value they can bring to your fitness journey. Whether you’re looking to level up your strength training or diversify your workouts, our handpicked machines promise to deliver.
Let’s delve into what sets these machines apart and find the perfect fit for your home gym!
Top 8 Cable Crossover Machines for 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 on Cable Crossover Machines
The primary muscle targeted by the cable crossover is the pectoralis major, or the chest muscle. Additionally, it engages the front deltoids (shoulders) and the triceps to a smaller extent, making it a compound exercise. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.What muscle does cable crossover work?
Are cable crossover machines worth it?
Is cable crossover good for chest?
What is the best cable crossover machine?
How effective is cable crossover?
What are the benefits of crossover exercise?
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.
