Best Abs Workouts With Cable Machines
About
Cables are a versatile piece of fitness equipment, offering unique benefits such as adjustable resistance direction and customizable handles.
These features enable precise fine-tuning of exercises to achieve targeted muscle activation.
The abdominal muscles, located in the front lower torso, play a pivotal role in stabilizing nearly every body movement and are primarily responsible for spinal flexion and rotation.
Exercising this muscle group typically involves movements like planks, sit-ups, and twists, all of which can be effectively performed using cable machines.
Incorporating these exercises into your routine ensures effective engagement of abdominal muscles while utilizing the adaptability of cables.
Workout 1
Abs

Cable Crunch
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Cable Russian Twists
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Cable Wood Chop
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Standing Cable Core Twist
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Cable Wood Chop (Low to High)
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Balance Trainer Cable Crunch With Side Bends
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The 7 Best Abs Exercises with Cable Machines
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Cable Crunch
Cable Crunch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,462,723Abs Strength91 mScoreAbs
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Rope CableCable Crunch is an exercise that strengthens your core using a cable machine instead of just your body weight. You perform it while kneeling, allowing for greater control over the resistance and direction of the movement.
How to do it
- Set the cable pulley to the highest position and attach a rope.
- Kneel upright and hold the rope ends, placing the base on the back of your neck.
- Bend forward at the hips until your torso is parallel to the floor, then curl your ribs towards your hips.
- Return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps65lbs28reps65lbs38reps65lbs2. Cable Russian Twists
Cable Russian Twists demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED173,692Abs Strength69 mScoreAbs
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Stability (Swiss) BallCable Russian Twists are a core exercise that strengthen your obliques using a cable machine and a stability ball. This move challenges your balance and engages your entire core for better strength and stability.
How to do it
- Sit on a stability ball with a cable pulley at shoulder height, one foot away, holding the handle.
- Walk back until your shoulders are on the ball, with knees bent at 90 degrees.
- Hold the handle with both hands at the center of your chest. Keep your hips still and rotate away from the pulley.
- Rotate as far as you can while keeping your hips stable, then return to the center and switch sides.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs3. Cable Wood Chop
Cable Wood Chop demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED728,250Abs Strength84 mScoreAbs
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Wood Chop is a great exercise that works your obliques and core, helping to build strength and stability while mimicking natural movements. It's beneficial for everyday activities and athletic performance, using a cable machine for consistent tension.
How to do it
- Adjust the cable pulley to the highest setting and attach a handle.
- Stand facing the pulley with your right side slightly turned towards it, feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grab the handle with both hands, your left arm reaching across the body.
- Engage your core and rotate your arms down towards your outside knee, keeping your spine neutral.
- Return to the starting position in a controlled manner.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs4. Standing Cable Core Twist
Standing Cable Core Twist demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED303,613Abs Strength72 mScoreAbs
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Standing Cable Core Twist is an exercise that strengthens your core, especially the sides (obliques). It helps improve your stability and strength, which is useful for various athletic activities.
How to do it
- Set the cable at chest height.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing sideways to the cable.
- Grab the handle with both hands and extend your arms in front of your chest.
- Twist your torso away from the cable, keeping your hands at chest height.
- Return to the start position and repeat on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps30lbs28reps30lbs38reps30lbs5. Cable Wood Chop (Low to High)
Cable Wood Chop (Low to High) demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED32,384Abs Strength71 mScoreAbs
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Wood Chop (Low to High) is an exercise that strengthens your core, obliques, and shoulders by moving a cable from low to high across your body. It improves your overall body coordination and stability, which is important for athletic performance.
How to do it
- Set the cable machine to the lowest position.
- Stand behind the machine with the pulley to your side.
- Grab the rope handle with both hands, palms facing each other.
- Keep your core tight, back straight, and look forward.
- Pull the cable up and to the side using your core and shoulders.
- Pause for a second at the top of the movement.
- Slowly return to the starting position, maintaining core tension.
- Switch sides and repeat.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs6. Balance Trainer Cable Crunch With Side Bends
Balance Trainer Cable Crunch With Side Bends demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED21,407Abs Strength48 mScoreAbs
Crossover Cable
BOSU® Balance TrainerThe Balance Trainer Cable Crunch with Side Bends strengthens your core and tones your obliques using a balance trainer and cable machine. This exercise challenges your stability while focusing on your side muscles, improving overall core strength and definition.
How to do it
- Set the cable machine to the lowest position and adjust the balance trainer between the cable arms.
- Sit on the balance trainer with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Lie back on the balance trainer, hold the cable handles, and extend your arms down towards the insides of your thighs.
- Crunch up by pulling your ribcage towards your hips, raising your upper back off the trainer.
- Return to the starting position and move the handles to the sides of your torso.
- Crunch to the right, reaching for the right handle, then repeat on the left side before returning to the start.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs7. Pallof Press
Pallof Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED97,228Abs Strength79 mScoreAbs
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Pallof Press is an exercise that strengthens your core, including the abs and lower back, while improving posture. It uses cable resistance to effectively stabilize your body and reduce lower back strain.
How to do it
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, facing a cable machine.
- Grab the handle at shoulder height with both hands, keeping it at the center of your chest.
- Brace your core and exhale as you push the handle forward.
- Keep the handle steady as you extend your arms straight out.
- Bring the handle back to your chest by flexing your elbows.
- Repeat the exercise on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps25lbs28reps25lbs38reps25lbs
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