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Best Advanced Workouts With Cable Machines To Get Lean And Burn Fat

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Advanced and effective workouts utilizing cable machines offer a versatile approach to enhancing muscle tone and burning fat.

Cables provide unique resistance by manipulating direction and attachment variations, enabling precise muscle activation.

Targeting a lean physique, these exercises maintain an elevated heart rate, combine every movement for sustained calorie burn, and leverage resistance training to preserve muscle mass.

By incorporating complex movements designed for individuals with significant weightlifting experience, these workouts aim to achieve comprehensive fitness goals.

The 15 Best Advanced Exercises with Cable Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Cable Hip Extension

    Cable Hip Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,064,458
    Glutes Strength
    95 mScore
    Glutes
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    Cable Hip Extension is an exercise where you attach your leg to a cable machine and extend it behind you while standing. This helps strengthen your glutes and improve balance, as the cable provides controlled resistance.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to the lowest position and attach the ankle cuff to your right ankle.
    2. Stand facing the pulley with your feet hip-width apart, holding the frame for support.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    4. With a slight bend in your knee, extend your right leg behind you by squeezing your glute.
    5. Return to the starting position and switch to your left leg.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 2. Cable Crunch

    Cable Crunch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,462,723
    Abs Strength
    91 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    Cable 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

    1. Set the cable pulley to the highest position and attach a rope.
    2. Kneel upright and hold the rope ends, placing the base on the back of your neck.
    3. Bend forward at the hips until your torso is parallel to the floor, then curl your ribs towards your hips.
    4. Return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    75lbs
    2
    8reps
    75lbs
    3
    8reps
    75lbs
  • 3. Cable Russian Twists

    Cable Russian Twists demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    173,692
    Abs Strength
    69 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Photo of Stability (Swiss) Ball
    Stability (Swiss) Ball

    Cable 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

    1. Sit on a stability ball with a cable pulley at shoulder height, one foot away, holding the handle.
    2. Walk back until your shoulders are on the ball, with knees bent at 90 degrees.
    3. Hold the handle with both hands at the center of your chest. Keep your hips still and rotate away from the pulley.
    4. Rotate as far as you can while keeping your hips stable, then return to the center and switch sides.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 4. Cable Wood Chop

    Cable Wood Chop demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    728,250
    Abs Strength
    84 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The 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

    1. Adjust the cable pulley to the highest setting and attach a handle.
    2. Stand facing the pulley with your right side slightly turned towards it, feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Grab the handle with both hands, your left arm reaching across the body.
    4. Engage your core and rotate your arms down towards your outside knee, keeping your spine neutral.
    5. Return to the starting position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 5. Cable Row

    Cable Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    6,108,322
    Back Strength
    98 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Row Cable
    Row Cable

    The Cable Row is an exercise that strengthens your back, shoulders, and biceps. It uses a cable machine for proper positioning and resistance control, helping you build muscle and strength in your upper body.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the bench and place your feet on the foot plates.
    2. Hold the handle with both hands, keeping your back straight.
    3. Pull the handle towards your torso while leaning back slightly.
    4. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position while maintaining tension in your back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    70lbs
    2
    8reps
    70lbs
    3
    8reps
    70lbs
  • 6. Lat Pulldown

    Lat Pulldown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    8,113,246
    Back Strength
    100 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Lat Pulldown Cable
    Lat Pulldown Cable

    The Lat Pulldown is a great exercise for strengthening your back, shoulders, and biceps. It's similar to a Pull Up but is more stable, making it easier for beginners to control the movement and adjust the resistance.

    How to do it

    1. Attach a bar to the pull-down pulley and grip it with your hands shoulder-width apart, palms facing forward.
    2. Sit upright on the seat, placing your knees under the adjustable pad.
    3. Engage your core and keep your spine straight.
    4. Pull the bar down towards your chest by bending your elbows, leaning back slightly.
    5. Slowly return the bar to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    85lbs
    2
    8reps
    85lbs
    3
    8reps
    85lbs
  • 7. Cable Rope Tricep Extension

    Cable Rope Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,575,234
    Triceps Strength
    100 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable Rope Tricep Extension is a great exercise to specifically strengthen your triceps. Using a cable machine allows for better control and consistent tension, making it ideal for adjusting weights easily and performing high-repetition sets.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to the highest position and attach the rope.
    2. Hold the rope with your palms facing each other, elbows at your sides, bent at 90 degrees.
    3. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    4. Extend your arms by straightening your elbows while keeping them close to your body.
    5. Return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 8. Cable Tricep Pushdown

    Cable Tricep Pushdown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,225,406
    Triceps Strength
    96 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable Tricep Pushdown is an exercise that works the triceps, the muscles at the back of your arms. Using a flat bar allows you to keep your palms facing down, helping to stabilize your wrists as you perform the move.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to the highest position with a straight or angled bar attached.
    2. Grip the bar with your palms facing down and elbows bent at 90 degrees, close to your body.
    3. Keep your core tight and your shoulders back.
    4. Push the bar down by extending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides until your arms are straight.
    5. Return to the starting position by bending your elbows back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 9. Cable Front Raise

    Cable Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    178,281
    Shoulders Strength
    86 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Front Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the front deltoids while providing consistent resistance using a cable machine. This helps build shoulder strength and definition while also engaging the core for stability.

    How to do it

    1. Adjust the cable machine pulley to its lowest setting and attach a bar.
    2. Stand facing away from the machine with the bar between your legs.
    3. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
    4. Grab the bar with an overhand grip and pull it to your hips, feeling tension in the cable.
    5. Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look forward.
    6. With your arms nearly straight, raise the bar to eye level in an arc by using your shoulders.
    7. Hold the raised position briefly before returning to the starting point with control.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 10. Single Arm Cable Press

    Single Arm Cable Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    298,585
    Chest Strength
    85 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Single Arm Cable Press is a great exercise for strengthening your chest, shoulders, and triceps. It helps identify and fix strength differences between your arms while mimicking the motion of throwing a punch, making it useful for combat sports.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable machine's pulley at solar plexus height.
    2. Attach a handle to the cable.
    3. Stand in front of the machine with one hand in line with the handle.
    4. Hold the handle in one hand with your palm facing in.
    5. Step away until there is tension in the cable.
    6. Get into a slight lunge position.
    7. Engage your core and keep your back straight as you look forward.
    8. Extend the arm not holding the handle in front of you and bring the handle arm to your side at chest height.
    9. Push the handle forward as if throwing a punch, while pulling your other arm back.
    10. Pause for a moment, avoiding twisting your body.
    11. Return to the starting position with control and tension.
    12. Repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 11. Cable Pull Through

    Cable Pull Through demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    961,630
    Glutes Strength
    91 mScore
    Glutes
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Cable Pull Through is an effective exercise that strengthens your glutes and improves your hip hinge movement. It uses a cable for steady resistance, making it easier to build muscle and enhance glute power. This is a good choice for beginners wanting to develop their lower body strength.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley to the lowest position with a rope attachment.
    2. Stand with your back to the pulley, hold the rope with palms facing in, and keep your arms resting on your hips.
    3. Step forward 1-2 feet from the pulley with feet wider than shoulder-width apart.
    4. Engage your core, keep your back straight, and hinge your hips back while keeping your knees slightly bent.
    5. Hinge until your back can no longer stay straight, then return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 12. Tricep Overhead Extension with Rope

    Tricep Overhead Extension with Rope demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    816,830
    Triceps Strength
    81 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Tricep Overhead Extension with Rope is a great exercise to strengthen your triceps. Using a cable machine allows for better control and keeps tension on the muscles throughout the movement for effective results.

    How to do it

    1. Attach a cable rope to the pulley at shoulder height.
    2. Stand facing away from the pulley and grip the rope with your palms facing each other.
    3. Bend slightly forward with your back straight and your chest up, positioning one foot forward.
    4. Extend your arms straight above your head, keeping your elbows close to your ears.
    5. Slowly bring your elbows back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 13. Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension

    Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    588,980
    Triceps Strength
    84 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension is a focused exercise targeting the triceps. Using an underhand grip helps keep your elbow close to your side, allowing for better control and balance when working each arm individually.

    How to do it

    1. Stand next to the cable machine with one arm aligned to the cable.
    2. Grab the handle with your palm facing up.
    3. Extend your arm down by straightening your elbow, keeping your elbow close to your side.
    4. At the bottom, rotate your arm so your palm faces in toward you and pause briefly.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position, keeping tension in your tricep.
    6. Engage your core, keep your elbow steady, and keep your wrist straight throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 14. Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension

    Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    618,087
    Triceps Strength
    84 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension is a focused exercise that primarily targets the triceps. Doing it one arm at a time helps ensure even strength and allows for a unique movement angle that activates the muscles differently than standard tricep exercises.

    How to do it

    1. Stand next to the cable machine, slightly behind the cable path.
    2. Reach up and grab the handle with the hand farthest from the machine, palms facing you.
    3. Keep your elbow at your side and press the cable down and across your body using your triceps.
    4. Pause for a moment at the bottom of the movement.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position, keeping tension in your triceps.
    6. Engage your core, keep your shoulders back, and maintain good posture throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 15. Single Arm High Cable Tricep Extension

    Single Arm High Cable Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    352,773
    Triceps Strength
    85 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Rope Cable
    Rope Cable

    The Single Arm High Cable Tricep Extension targets the triceps for better arm definition. Using the cable machine allows for a full stretch of the tricep muscles, promoting growth and strength.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your back to the cable machine in a staggered stance, with your active arm aligned with the cable.
    2. Grab the handle with one hand, keeping the cable over your shoulder.
    3. Push the handle forward, fully extending your arm while keeping your elbow and shoulder locked in place.
    4. Pause at the end, feeling the tension in your tricep.
    5. Slowly let the handle return to the starting position, maintaining good posture and engagement in your core.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Advanced Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Advanced Workouts with Cable Machines

Alternative Workouts with Cable Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat