Top 10 Cable Exercises to Build Stronger Chest

Sports Nutritionist & Fitness Author
  • Chest
  • Posted 11 months ago

Note: Remember to always consult with a qualified fitness professional if you have any specific concerns or limitations before attempting new exercises including Cable Chest Exercises.

Building a strong, aesthetic chest is a common goal for many gym-goers, and for good reason.

A powerful chest not only enhances our upper body strength, making day-to-day tasks easier, but it also contributes to a balanced physique that exudes confidence.

Now, let’s talk about a secret weapon in achieving those chiselled pecs – cable exercises.

Yes, you heard it right!

Cable chest exercises are a fantastic way to specifically target and develop your chest muscles.

These exercises go beyond what standard free weights offer by allowing a unique range of motion that stimulates your muscles in different, effective ways.

1. Cable Crossover

Are you ready to take your chest training to the next level? Let’s dive into the phenomenal world of Cable Crossovers.

This exercise is a total game-changer as it zeroes in on your chest muscles like no other, making them work in a unique and effective way.

To perform Cable Crossovers, follow these simple steps:

  • Stand in the middle of a cable machine, grabbing the handles of the crossover cables.
  • Bend slightly at the knees and lean forward a bit, maintaining a straight back.
  • With elbows slightly bent, pull the cables together in a wide arc until your hands meet in front of your body.
  • Slowly return the handles back to the starting position and repeat.

Remember, breathing is key! Exhale as you pull the cables together, and inhale as you return to the starting position.

What makes Cable Crossovers shine in the pantheon of chest exercises?

The secret lies in how it targets both the inner and outer chest muscles.

While most chest exercises focus on the larger outer muscles, Cable Crossovers ensure that the inner muscles, often neglected, get their fair share of work too.

This results in a fuller, more evenly developed chest.

So, why wait?

Start incorporating Cable Crossovers to your chest day regime and watch your pecs grow stronger and more defined!

2. Cable Bench Press

Now, let’s turn our attention to another champion in the cable chest exercise realm, the Cable Bench Press.

This power-packed exercise takes the traditional bench press, a staple of chest workouts, and introduces the cable machine into the mix, creating a dynamic experience that is second to none.

Performing the Cable Bench Press is easier than you might think:

  • Position yourself on a flat bench placed between a cable machine.
  • Grab the handles of the high pulleys, ensuring your grip is just slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  • Lower the cables until they are level with your chest, then push them back up in a controlled movement.

And voila! You’re executing a Cable Bench Press. Breathe out as you push the cables up and inhale as you lower them back down.

So, why should you give the Cable Bench Press a go?

The answer lies in the unique combination of stability and constant tension on the muscles, courtesy of the cable machine.

This ensures your muscles are engaged throughout the entire range of motion, unlike with free weights where tension varies.

This constant tension results in more effective muscle growth and helps create that enviable, well-defined chest.

Give the Cable Bench Press a try in your next workout session, and experience the core-strengthening, pec-defining benefits it offers firsthand!

3. Cable Incline Bench Press

Are you looking to elevate your chest workout routine to the next level? Allow us to introduce you to the one and only Cable Incline Bench Press.

This exercise has a special knack for targeting your upper chest muscles, making it a must-try for anyone aspiring to sculpt an impressive chest.

Let’s jump straight into the details and learn how to perform this exercise effectively!

  • While adjusting the cable machine, attach a bar to the low pulleys and position an incline bench between the cables.
  • Sit on the bench with your feet firmly on the ground and grab the bar with an overhand grip.
  • Retract your shoulder blades and push the bar upwards, fully extending your arms without locking your elbows.
  • Lower the bar slowly until it’s at chest level, keeping your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
  • Push the bar back up and repeat the motion.

Remember, proper breathing is crucial to the success of any exercise. As you push the bar upwards, breathe out, and as you lower the bar, breathe in.

Now, why should you add the Cable Incline Bench Press to your training arsenal?

Incline variations serve a unique purpose in upper body training.

They target the often neglected upper chest muscles, which play a vital role in creating a well-rounded, chiselled chest.

In addition to this, the incline position allows for a greater range of motion compared to flat bench variations, ensuring your muscles are put through their full paces.

This enhanced stimulation results in greater muscle growth and definition.

In short, by incorporating the Cable Incline Bench Press into your routine, you’re taking a giant stride toward achieving that enviable, well-defined chest.

So, why not give it a whirl in your next workout? Your upper chest will thank you!

4. Cable Fly

Are you ready to explore another fantastic exercise that is a game-changer for your chest workout regime? Let’s fly into the world of Cable Flyes!

Cable Flyes are an excellent addition to your chest workout as they isolate your chest muscles, honing in on them directly.

This exercise promotes a full range of motion which is key to achieving a well-defined, balanced chest.

Now, let’s break down how to correctly perform a Cable Fly:

  • Position yourself in the centre of a cable machine, grabbing a handle in each hand from the low pulleys.
  • Take a step forward, keeping one foot in front of the other to maintain balance.
  • With a slight bend in your elbows, pull the handles up and together until they meet in front of your chest.
  • Lower the handles back down in a controlled movement until you reach the starting position.

Just like any exercise, the key to effective Cable Flyes lies in controlled movements and maintaining tension in the chest. Exhale as you pull the handles together, and inhale as you lower them back down.

But why should you choose Cable Flyes over other chest exercises?

Cable Flyes have a unique advantage compared to traditional chest exercises, such as dumbbell flyes. They place less strain on your shoulders, protecting you from potential injuries.

Cable Flyes also maintain constant tension on your chest muscles throughout the entire range of motion, stimulating more effective muscle growth.

So, are you ready to take your chest game to a new level?

Include Cable Flyes in your next workout session, and experience the benefits of this fantastic exercise! Your chest muscles will feel the burn, and you’ll love the results!

5. Low Cable Fly

Feeling the burn yet? We certainly hope so! Here’s a fantastic exercise designed to sculpt your lower chest: the Low Cable Fly.

This exercise is an absolute must in your chest workout routine. Why, you ask? Let’s dive in!

Low Cable Flyes are an excellent exercise specifically designed to target your lower chest muscles.

By incorporating this into your chest workout, you’re ensuring a well-rounded chest development, which makes it a must-try for anyone aiming to sculpt an impressive chest.

Ready to get started? Here’s how to do it:

  • Adjust the pulleys to the highest setting with a handle attached to each.
  • Stand in the middle of the cable machine, keeping a handle in each hand.
  • Lean forward slightly while keeping your back straight and foot one step ahead for balance.
  • With a slight bend in your elbows, pull the cables down and together until your hands meet in front of your hips.
  • Slowly return the handles back up in a controlled motion.

Remember, it’s all about control and maintaining a full range of motion. As you pull the handles down, exhale, and as you return them back up, inhale.

Why should you add Low Cable Flyes to your chest workout routine?

Low Cable Flyes are your secret weapon for achieving the ultimate balanced chest.

They specifically target the often-neglected lower chest muscles, making them an essential part of any comprehensive chest workout.

Furthermore, due to the constant tension provided by the cable machine throughout the entire range of motion, Low Cable Flyes ensure efficient muscle stimulation, contributing to more effective muscle growth and a well-defined lower chest region.

Ready to give it a try? Incorporate Low Cable Flyes into your next workout session and feel the difference!

Your lower chest will definitely feel the burn, and soon, you’ll be the proud owner of a more sculpted, balanced chest.

6. Standing Cable Chest Press

Let’s step up with an effective, engaging, and straightforward exercise that’s sure to revamp your routine — the Standing Cable Chest Press!

The Standing Cable Chest Press is like an unseen superhero, quietly boosting your chest workout and adding that extra bit of spark.

It effectively engages your chest muscles while standing, offering a whole new perspective to your usual training. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the specifics!

The execution of this exercise is quite straightforward. Here’s how you do it:

  • Stand in the centre of a cable machine, and hold onto the handles attached to the middle pulleys.
  • Take a step forward to create tension in the cables, while maintaining a soft bend in your knees for stability.
  • With your hands at chest level, push the handles out in front of you until your arms are fully extended.
  • Slowly bring your arms back to the starting position, controlling the movement and maintaining tension in your chest.

Remember, it’s all about controlled movements. Exhale as you extend your arms, inhale as you return to the starting position.

So, why is the Standing Cable Chest Press worth your time?

The Standing Cable Chest Press is not your typical chest exercise. It’s dynamic, engaging, and perfect for those keen on improving stability and core activation.

The standing position engages your body as a whole, improving your balance and coordination, while also targeting your chest muscles with a constant tension that is key for muscle growth.

Moreover, the standing position adds a functional component to this exercise. It takes your training beyond the bench, promoting movements that are more in line with everyday motions.

In short, the Standing Cable Chest Press is a must-have in your workout regimen. It’s fun, effective, and provides a well-rounded approach to chest training.

7. Seated Cable Chest Press

Are you ready to elevate your chest workout to unprecedented levels?

We’re about to introduce you to an exercise that combines control, isolation and constant tension to sculpt your chest muscles like never before — the Seated Cable Chest Press!

The Seated Cable Chest Press is a fantastic exercise that allows you to focus on your chest muscles with controlled movements.

The seated position eliminates the need to stabilise the rest of your body, allowing for better isolation of the chest muscles.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to performing the Seated Cable Chest Press:

  • Begin by sitting at a cable machine with a bench positioned in the middle. Attach a handle to each pulley and set them to chest height.
  • Once seated, grasp the handles firmly with your palms facing down.
  • Engage your core, keep your back flat against the bench and your feet firmly on the ground.
  • Push the handles straight out in front of you until your arms are fully extended.
  • Slowly pull the handles back towards your chest in a controlled motion to the starting position.

Remember to exhale as you push the handles away, and inhale as you bring them back towards your chest.

Why should the Seated Cable Chest Press be part of your routine?

The Seated Cable Chest Press utilises cables, which offer a key advantage — constant tension. Throughout the exercise, your muscles remain engaged, which stimulates more effective muscle growth compared to free weights.

Moreover, the seated position allows for better isolation of the chest muscles, ensuring these muscles are doing the majority of the work.

The Seated Cable Chest Press is a game-changer in your chest workout regimen. It’s simple, controlled, and ideal for effectively targeting your chest muscles.

Include the Seated Cable Chest Press in your next workout, and experience the noticeable difference in your chest development!

8. Cable Pullover

Now it’s time to dive into an exercise that promises to be a game-changer for your chest workout routine – the Cable Pullover!

This dynamic exercise not only targets your chest, but it also brings your back and shoulder muscles into play, offering a comprehensive upper body workout.

So, are you ready to include the Cable Pullover in your workout regime? Let’s delve into the specifics of this multitasking exercise!

Executing the Cable Pullover with the correct form and technique is crucial to gain maximum benefits:

  • Stand in front of a cable machine, grab a straight bar attachment that’s connected to the high pulley.
  • With a slight bend in your knees, lean forward slightly from your waist.
  • Hold the bar with an overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart, and pull the bar down to chest height. This is your starting position.
  • Keeping your arms extended and elbows slightly bent, pull the bar down and back until it’s level with your thighs.
  • Slowly raise the bar back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you can move the bar, but about engaging your muscles through a full range of motion. So, exhale as you pull the cable down and inhale as you return to the starting position.

Why are Cable Pullovers beneficial?

Cable Pullovers offer a plethora of benefits that make them a worthy addition to your chest workout routine.

They help improve chest expansion, which is beneficial for lung capacity and overall respiratory health.

Plus, they enhance overall upper body strength. By engaging your chest, back, and shoulder muscles all at once, cable pullovers give you a more efficient upper body workout.

In other words, Cable Pullovers are a fantastic way to boost your upper body strength while also adding a touch of variation to your usual chest routine.

Give them a shot during your next workout, and you’ll see why they’re a favourite amongst fitness enthusiasts!

9. Cable Incline Bench Fly

As we near the conclusion of our chest exercise routine (rest assured, we still have plenty of energy!), allow me to introduce you to the Cable Incline Bench Fly.

This exercise truly shines when it comes to targeting your upper chest muscles, making it an undeniable standout.

Executing the Cable Incline Bench Fly with proper form and control is paramount. Buckle up, as we’re about to guide you through the steps!

  • Start by setting up an incline bench in front of a cable machine. Attach a single handle to each pulley and set them at floor level.
  • Sit on the bench and pick up the handles. Lean back onto the bench, keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
  • Position your arms out to the side, slightly bent at the elbow, to mimic a hugging motion. This is your starting position.
  • With a controlled movement, bring your hands together in an arc-like motion in front of your chest.
  • Slowly return your arms back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the entire movement.

Remember, inhale as you return your arms back, and exhale as you bring your hands together.

Why add Cable Incline Bench Fly to your workout?

If you dream of a well-rounded chest with a defined upper line, the Cable Incline Bench Fly should be your go-to exercise.

The incline position specifically targets the upper part of your chest, accentuating the line that separates it from the shoulder. This helps in achieving a more balanced, sculpted chest appearance.

The beauty of the Cable Incline Bench Fly is that it keeps your upper chest muscles under constant tension, stimulating muscle growth more effectively than standard free weights. Plus, it’s an absolute treat for those who enjoy that upper chest burn (we’re looking at you, muscle buffs!).

So, as we’re near the end of our list, we must say, it’s not over until we’ve ‘flown’ away with the Cable Incline Bench Fly! Include it in your chest workout routine and notice the difference it makes.

10. Cable Push-Up

Still with us? Well, it seems we have a dedicated bunch of fitness enthusiasts here! Brace yourselves as we introduce our final weapon in the arsenal of chest exercises: the Cable Push-Up.

Think you’ve mastered the traditional push-up? Try the Cable Push-Up and think again! This is the traditional push-up’s tougher, brawnier sibling — a true test of strength that promises to put your chest muscles to the ultimate test.

Here’s how to set up and execute the Cable Push-Up:

  • Attach a resistance band or cable to your waist. Make sure it’s secure and adjust it to provide the right level of resistance.
  • Get into a high plank position with your hands firmly placed on the ground, shoulder-width apart. This is your starting position.
  • Lower your body towards the ground, keeping your back straight and engaging your core.
  • Push your body back up to the starting position. And voila! You’ve just executed a Cable Push-Up.

Remember, the key is control and form, not speed. Keep your body parallel to the floor and your movements measured.

Can’t manage a full push-up yet? No worries! Adjust the resistance or try performing the exercise on your knees instead. We’re all about progress, not perfection.

So why should you try Cable Push-Ups? Well, it’s like a standard push-up went to the gym and got supercharged. It adds an extra layer of resistance to the push-up, meaning your chest muscles have to work even harder. So, expect more muscle activation and an increased challenge.

In essence, the Cable Push-Up is a great way to shake up your chest workout and keep your muscles guessing. It’s challenging, rewarding, and perfect for those looking to push their limits.

Conclusion

So there you have it. We have journeyed through the top 10 cable chest exercises, enveloping a wide range of movements designed to bolster chest strength and definition. We kicked off with the Cable Chest Press, setting the stage for a comprehensive cable workout. The Cable Crossover, High-to-Low Cable Fly, and Low-to-High Cable Fly brought variety and targeted the chest muscles from different angles. The Standing Cable Fly, Cable Chest Push, and Cable Pullovers, each added a unique flavour to the workout, challenging the upper body in new ways. The Cable Incline Bench Fly carved our upper chest with precision, while the ultimate Cable Push-Up brought an adrenaline-packed finish to our list.

Integrating these exercises into your chest workout routine promises to deliver optimal results, sculpting your chest and enhancing your overall strength. However, the key to every effective workout is to maintain proper form, progressively increase the difficulty level to challenge your body, and importantly, listen to your body’s cues. Remember, it’s not about speed but control and form.

Training with cables offers versatility and constant tension on the muscles, making each of these exercises incredibly effective. So, what are you waiting for? Spring into action, incorporate these workouts into your routine, and witness the transformation. Here’s to a stronger, more defined chest!

References

  1. Effects of a Chest Fly Exercise using a Machine with a Cam System that Matches the Strength Curve. (Kang, S., Kim, S., & Kwon, O., 2019)
  2. The effects of three different exercise modalities on markers of male reproduction in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial. (Vaamonde, D., Da Silva-Grigoletto, M. E., García-Manso, J. M., Vaamonde-Lemos, R., Swanson, R. J., & Oehninger, S. C., 2012)
  3. Comparison of the cable fly with the dumbbell fly on the recruitment of the pectoralis major, deltoid anterior and triceps brachii. (Ribeiro, E. C., Carneiro, C. R., de Oliveira, A. S., Nascimento, F. F. D., & Cury, R. P., 2015)
  4. Relative muscle activity in upper and lower pectoralis major using various exercise loads. (Trebs, A. A., Brandenburg, J. P., & Pitney, W. A., 2010)
  5. Comparison of Different Resistance Training Intensity Methods on Post-Exercise Blood Pressure in Individuals with Hypertension. (Gomes Anunciação, P., Doederlein Polito, M., 2013)
  6. Differences in Muscle Activity During Cable Resistance Training Are Influenced by Variations in Handle Types. (Tillaar R. & Saeterbakken A., 2018)

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