If you have been or are a gym-goer, you are probably no stranger to cable crossovers. These machines are everywhere and help bulk up almost every part of the body – shoulders, triceps, biceps, chest and even calves. We will delve in on the history of the cable cross-over, their astounding popularity, their benefits, which type of cable crossover you can purchase, how to use one to get the best possible fitness results.
Table of Contents:
– What is cable crossover?
– The popularity of cable crossover
– Is cable crossover good?
– How to choose cable crossover
– How to use cable crossover
What is cable crossover?
The cable crossover is a complex piece of exercise equipment that is designed to stimulate a diverse range of muscle groups through a range of exercises. The cable crossover is a machine centred around two weight stacks connected by a cable via a pulley situated on each end. The pulleys are adjustable, meaning the machine can be situated at varying heights. This allows the individual to utilise the machine in the way in which they best stimulate their muscles. The cable crossover allows for a wide range of motion and exercises that are hard to achieve with free weights and other machines. The cable crossover is distinct in that, because of its versatility, a great deal of stimulus is placed on the targeted muscle at all times.
This machine is especially known for performing the chest workout staple called the cable crossover, a motion that essentially lets you tap yourself on the chest and hug yourself across your body. However, it’s useful for more than just chest workouts – it can be used to hit the back, shoulders, arms and legs. The adjustable pulleys allow for movement and angles to work muscles in different ways and functionally mimic real-world movement patterns that are great for building an all-encompassing routine.
Its major technical feat is its design, which facilitates a smooth and flowing action, a key factor in reducing the risk of injury (by preventing jerky, erratic motions) and thereby making the machine suitable for trainees of all levels of expertise as well as athletes looking to maximise the efficiency of their training.
The popularity of cable crossover
This explains why the cable crossover machine is so popular among gym-goers. It’s a highly versatile and effective tool for improving the quality of a workout in a single piece of equipment that cuts down the need for multiple items of expensive gym equipment at home – such as a pec fly machine, lateral pull down machine, low pulleys, etc – into one space-saving item. It’s not only the professional athletes who train on the cable crossover, but everyone from power lifters to booty builders at the gym and to those who are pushing their task with ‘boot camp’ or ‘cross-fit’ type fitness programmes in their local community gyms, to personal trainers working with novice home gym enthusiasts.
Another recent trend, increases in emphasis for ‘functional fitness’ (exercises that mimic movements people make in daily life) and cross-training (using one exercise for multiple muscle groups) has only boosted the cable crossover’s popularity. As fitness gurus and trainers across the nation advocate for workout programmes that cultivate overall strength, flexibility and reduce the risk of injury, the use of the cable cross, as it’s nicknamed, or its contemporary cousins, ensure the promotion of dynamic, full-body exercises.
Cable crossovers have also garnered attention from social media and fitness influencers. Novel cable crossover workouts have sparked online videos, which have gone viral and inspired followers to try the routines for themselves. This has further cemented the credibility of the cable crossover as an all-round, effective tool for workouts.
Is cable crossover good?
Cable crossover is more than good. It is an excellent exercise machine. It offers many advantages for anyone who wants to get in shape, or to improve their physical fitness. The first advantage is that you can use the machine to do a variety of exercise movements, thereby targeting virtually every muscle group in the body. This not only makes workouts interesting and challenging but also allows you to work out the entire body, toning and developing muscle all around.
The fact that the cable crossover moves in a controlled way, rather than swinging like a free weight, also reduces the possibility of being overstretched, since the cable doesn’t release the same way that different weights on a barbell do. Secondly, the cable crossover is safer for people at all fitness levels. You don’t have to strain to reach for the weight, and since the cables have constant tension, you minimise the potential for straining other parts of your body. The cable crossover is also especially helpful for injured people. If you’ve suffered an injury and are back in the gym doing rehabilitation exercises, it’s easy to adjust both the weight and the movement to fit your recuperation needs.
The cable crossover is incredibly good for building strength and even muscle endurance because the constant tension keeps muscles working optimally throughout the entire range-of-motion … that’s what makes each work set more efficient and each workout more effective. If you want to get a bigger chest, a more muscular back, better six pack abs, or shed belly fat more effectively than with free weights, the cable crossover cross machine is the way to go. Whatever your goals – to build muscle or lose weight – this amazing machine can help you get there.
How to choose cable crossover
Considering they’ll be using this cable crossover machine for some time, it’s important to evaluate a unique set of features to make sure the machine you choose will serve your fitness needs and space requirements. Build quality is always the first factor to consider when buying a cable crossover machine. A well-built machine needs to have a sturdy frame, quality pulley operation, and high-grade cables to withstand the wear and tear of intense use over the long-term.
Finally, pay attention to the machine’s adjustability and versatility: a top cable machine will offer many pulley height adjustments, enabling you to perform many different types of exercise. Look for machines that come equipped with numerous attachments (handles, bars, straps) that can be used together to mix things up and keep your workouts interesting.
Lastly, consider the space the machine will take up: cable crossovers vary a lot in size, so think about whether yours needs to be especially small to fit in the space you have. There are machines designed specifically for home gyms that fit easily without compromising on features.
How to use cable crossover
In order to use the cable crossover machine properly, you first have to familiarise yourself with the basic principles that underlie all cable exercises and then execute the exercises using proper form and technique. You should also have the option of choosing a weight that you can use in order to perform exercises with perfect technique and a full range of motion. The best way to do that is to start lightweight and then gradually increase the weight as you become more accustomed to the exact movements.
If you are performing exercises, do so with a braced core and, as much as possible, let the movements be slow and fluid. Don’t use momentum, for example, to swing the weights and enhance specific muscle contractions. Check how well your joints and limbs are aligned to avoid placing unnecessary strain on them.
Play with different cable attachments and pulley heights to engage muscles from different directions and keep your training stimulating and effective. Alternating compound and isolation exercises will help you achieve a well-rounded and effective workout, while a short cool-down and stretching session will assist with recovery and flexibility.
Conclusion
The cable crossover machine is one of the best all-purpose, time-tested, safe, and effective pieces of gym gear ever developed. In fact, most commercial and home gyms wouldn’t be complete without it. Whether combined with free weights in a strength and conditioning programme, or used to burn fat and tone up in a basic full-body fitness workout, the cable crossover machine is an essential tool for your optimal results. It provides a means of targeting every major muscle group with a multitude of exercises, while the versatility of this device allows it to train you in a challenging and diverse way and take your strength and fitness to a new level.
