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Cable Machines

Not many pieces of gym equipment are as versatile as the cable machine. From corner-friendly designs to dual ratio setups, our cable machines are built to fit every kind of space.

 

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What you should know about cable machines

Cable machines use a weight stack or a set of weight plates attached to a tough metal cable to create resistance. Since the pulley can be set anywhere along the frame, these machines can be used to pull weight from a raised position, something that's not possible with free weights.

They're a favourite in home and commercial gyms alike, and a must-have for any lifter.

There's more nuance to cable machines than most other pieces of equipment. For that reason, we've answered some of your most commonly asked questions below.

FAQs

01

What's the difference between a 1:1 and a 2:1 cable machine?

A 1:1 cable machine means you feel the true weight, so 20kg on the stack would create 20kg of resistance at the handle. A 2:1 cable machine halves this, meaning the same 20kg would create 10kg of resistance.

There are pros and cons to both setups. 1:1 ratios are better for lifting heavy, while 2:1 ratios make it easier to add weight in small steps, since the weight only increases by about 2.5kg between each plate.

Our most popular cable machines offer a 1:1 and 2:1 ratio in the same frame, allowing users to get the benefits of each system. The Phase 3 Modular Rack is one example.

Read our guide to cable ratios, or get in touch with our team, who'll be happy to help.

02

What's the difference between a pin-loaded and plate-loaded cable machine?

Pin-loaded cable machines use a dedicated weight stack attached to a central rod to generate resistance, whereas plate-loaded machines need to be loaded manually with weight plates.

On a pin-loaded machine, you change the weight by moving the pin, which takes a couple of seconds. Plate-loaded machines take longer, since you have to load and unload plates every time you change the weight.

Pin-loaded options are much more popular, but they're more expensive since they come with their own weight stack. We sell both options to suit every budget.

03

Is a cable machine better than dumbbells?

A cable machine isn't better or worse than dumbbells; they're different pieces of equipment.

Dumbbells are simpler, cheaper and make your body stabilise the weight as you lift it.

Cables are a much larger, more expensive solution than a set of dumbbells, but let you train exercises dumbbells can't, like lat pulldowns, face pulls and tricep pushdowns.

As a general rule of thumb, you'll get the best results in your training by combining free weights and cable work.

04

What are the benefits of training with a cable machine?

The main benefit of a cable machine is constant tension. The cable keeps resistance on the muscle through the whole movement, which is why many lifters prefer cables for lateral raises.

They can also be gentler on the joints than free weights, since you don't need to stabilise the weight when lifting.

And with the right attachments, you can train almost every muscle group on one machine, which makes it one of the most space-efficient pieces of kit in a home gym.

05

Which cable machine should I buy?

The right cable machine depends on three things: your space, how you like to train and your budget.

  • Space: measure your floor area and ceiling height first. Corner designs like the Dual Action Pulley Cable Machine (2026) fit into smaller rooms.
  • Ratio: 2:1 machines are easier to progress on, while 1:1 machines suit heavier lifts. Some, like the Phase 3 Modular Rack, offer both.
  • Pin or plate: pin-loaded machines are quicker to use, while plate-loaded machines cost less, especially if you already own weight plates.

If you'd like a squat rack and a cable machine in one frame, then our most popular options are the Multi-Functional Trainer and the Phase 3 Modular Rack.

06

Which cable machine should a beginner buy?

If you're just starting out, then we recommend a machine that's on a 2:1 ratio like our Dual Action Pulley Cable Machine (2026). This has two 90kg stacks, providing enough resistance to future-proof your lifts while keeping progression manageable. It also has a corner design to maximise floor space in home gyms and small training studios.

07

How do I build a cable machine?

Most cable machines take two people between 4 and 6 hours to build.

A cable machine is harder to build than a sofa or another piece of furniture, but the fundamentals are the same. All of our machines come deconstructed and require bolting together. They ship with a full instruction manual to guide you through the build, and we've filmed install videos for our most popular machines.

08

Do you offer installation?

We do. Reach out to the team on sales@musclesquad.com to find out the installation options for your postcode.

09

Should I get a cable machine for my home gym?

Yes. A cable machine is one of the most powerful additions to a home gym. It's right up there with a squat rack, bench and free weights in terms of importance.

It opens up exercises that aren't possible without a cable system, which alone makes one worth the space.

10

What exercises can I do with a cable machine?

You can do just about everything that you do with free weights, plus cable-specific exercises like lat pulldowns, tricep pushdowns, face pulls and cable crunches.

Here's how that breaks down by muscle group:

  • Back: lat pulldowns, seated rows, straight-arm pulldowns, face pulls
  • Chest: cable flyes, cable crossovers
  • Shoulders: lateral raises, front raises, upright rows
  • Arms: tricep pushdowns, overhead tricep extensions, bicep curls
  • Legs and glutes: glute kickbacks, pull-throughs
  • Core: cable crunches, woodchoppers, Pallof press

11

What's the warranty on your cable machines?

All of our cable machines come with a 10-year warranty on the frame and a 2-year warranty on the cables. See our warranty page for the full details.

12

How do I maintain my cable machine?

Keep your machine in a well-insulated, dry room. Leaving your machine outside can damage the metal if it's exposed to extreme weather.

Invest in gym flooring to protect both your floor and the machine itself.

Finally, add a little bit of silicone oil to the machine's guide rods when you first install it, and repeat this step every 4 to 6 months. This will keep the machine running smoothly.

Read more about cable machine maintenance.

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