Free weights have a number of advantages over
A: Absolutely! With proper form, progressive overload, and a solid workout routine, you can achieve significant muscle growth using just cables.
Cable machines provide continuous tension throughout the movement whereas free weights do not. They are easier to use and are probably safer. Free weights require more skill and activate more connecting muscles than do machines. Both are effective. You body functions as a unit.
Unlike dumbbells, cables maintain CONSTANT TENSION throughout the range of motion, which stimulates muscle fibres more effectively. This continuous tension maximises muscular activation, making cables an excellent choice for hypertrophy training.
Dependency on Maintenance. Cable machines come with moving parts—pulleys, cables, and weight stacks—that require regular maintenance. Over time, cables can fray, and pulleys can wear out. If you're not handy with repairs or don't want to shell out for maintenance, this could be a hassle.
Cables can be difficult to install and maintain, as they require special tools and expertise. They can also be expensive, depending on the type of cable used. Additionally, cables are not as flexible as wireless connections, so it may be difficult to rearrange the layout of a room if needed.
**They're extremely versatile. **Pretty much every aspect of a cable machine can be adjusted: the height, handle, weight, direction... This means you can do almost any exercise, from any angle, to work muscles however you want to. It works your core and stabilising muscles.
Free weights allow for more exercise options and may be best for compound movements. Machines are beginner friendly and better for isolating muscle groups. Mixing free weights and machines in the same workout can give you the best of both worlds.
If your goal is muscle definition and hypertrophy, cable curls can be a better option. The continuous tension provided by the cable machine can aid in muscle isolation and can be particularly effective for targeting the peak of the biceps.
The pulley ratio (or cable ratio) on a cable machine affects the resistance of the weight – how heavy it feels. You can route cables through pulleys in various ways to create different resistance and for different purposes.
Cables give you the ability to quickly change angles or manipulate body position easily to overload the muscles in any length or range. This can be extremely convenient for being able to train both unilaterally and bilaterally (both arms at a time).
Deadlifts are the king of compound exercises since you're forced to engage all the major muscle groups all over your body while performing your reps. Deadlifts are among the most effective exercises for improving muscle mass and strength.
You can absolutely build a bigger chest with cable machine exercises. Cables are different in that they constantly keep tension on the muscle throughout the ranges of motion. This means from the start to the finish of each rep, your chest is under load, optimizing muscle fiber recruitment.
The main target of a cable curl is the bicep brachii (two-headed muscle that is responsible for flexing the elbow), along with the brachialis and brachioradialis. This movement also engages muscles in the shoulder, forearm, and upper back, including the trapezius, anterior deltoid, wrist flexors, and scapula.
“But to build bigger biceps and triceps you have to focus on perfect form, moving through a full range of motion and, crucially, never lifting too heavy. The key to adding arm size is to getting a good pump through lifting lighter for longer – and executing every rep as perfectly as possible.”
In conclusion, cable exercises feel harder due to the continuous tension, stability requirements, and adjustable angles they offer. While challenging, these factors also make cable exercises incredibly effective for muscle growth and definition.
Are cables good for arms? Yes, cable machine exercises are great for the arms. They provide constant tension, allowing for effective muscle engagement throughout the entire movement, and can be used with various exercises.
Machines allow you to isolate individual muscles
Machines are designed to isolate muscles in a way that is often difficult to replicate with free weights.
Every innocuous activity or form of physical recreation has the potential for injury. You can even be injured while sitting in your office and typing. But weightlifting does carry unique risks. Lifting too much weight can lead to torn muscles, ripped ligaments or tendons, dislocated joints, or crush injuries.
It's a fair question—many people still believe that traditional free weights are the gold standard for hypertrophy (muscle growth). However, recent research provides compelling evidence that cables can be just as effective.
Cable machine glute kickbacks are a solid strengthening exercise that allows you to focus on one side of the body at a time, helping you effectively target the glute muscles, core, and hamstrings.