Best Arms Workouts With Cable Machines To Build Muscle Mass
About
The workout leverages the unique versatility of cable machines, which provide adjustable resistance angles and the option to incorporate various handle attachments, enabling targeted muscle activation.
This program focuses on building muscle mass, employing a blend of compound and isolation exercises with moderate weights and higher repetitions to emphasize muscle hypertrophy over raw strength development.
During the workout, the primary muscle groups targeted include the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms—ensuring comprehensive arm development.
Utilizing this method promotes growth and builds size effectively through consistent training.
Workout 1
Triceps, Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Cable Rope Tricep Extension
16reps40lbs26reps40lbs36reps40lbs46reps40lbs56reps40lbs
Cable Lateral Raise
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Cable Face Pull
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Cable Rear Delt Fly
115reps15lbs215reps15lbs
Cable Preacher Curl
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs315reps25lbs
Cable Wrist Curl
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs315reps25lbs
Workout 2
Shoulders, Triceps, Biceps, Forearms

Freemotion Shoulder Press
16reps45lbs26reps45lbs36reps45lbs46reps45lbs56reps45lbs
Tricep Overhead Extension with Rope
110reps35lbs210reps35lbs310reps35lbs
Cable Tricep Pushdown
112reps40lbs212reps40lbs312reps40lbs
Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs
Cable Bicep Curl
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs315reps25lbs
Cable Wrist Curl
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs315reps25lbs
Workout 3
Triceps, Shoulders, Biceps, Forearms

Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension
16reps35lbs26reps35lbs36reps35lbs46reps35lbs56reps35lbs
Cable Lateral Raise
110reps12.5lbs210reps12.5lbs310reps12.5lbs
Cable Face Pull
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs
Overhead Cable Bicep Curl
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs315reps25lbs
Cable Wrist Curl
115reps25lbs215reps25lbs315reps25lbs
The 15 Best Arms Exercises with Cable Machines to Build Muscle Mass
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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More
1. Cable Rope Tricep Extension
Cable Rope Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED5,575,234Triceps Strength100 mScoreTriceps
Rope CableThe 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
- Set the pulley to the highest position and attach the rope.
- Hold the rope with your palms facing each other, elbows at your sides, bent at 90 degrees.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight.
- Extend your arms by straightening your elbows while keeping them close to your body.
- Return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs2. Cable Lateral Raise
Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,978,112Shoulders Strength97 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the middle deltoid muscle. Using a cable machine allows for better control and can help identify strength differences between your left and right sides.
How to do it
- Adjust the pulley to the lowest position and attach a handle.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, facing the pulley with your left side.
- Grab the handle with your right hand, keep your palm facing in.
- Tighten your core to maintain a straight back.
- With a slightly bent elbow, raise the handle to shoulder height while rotating it slightly upwards.
- Lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs3. Cable Face Pull
Cable Face Pull demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED2,132,611Shoulders Strength96 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe Cable Face Pull is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder muscles, especially the rear deltoids. It uses a cable machine, allowing you to easily control the resistance by adjusting the pulley height or your distance from the machine.
How to do it
- Set the pulley to chin height and attach a rope.
- Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and grip the rope with both hands.
- Step back until the cable is taut, with your arms extended.
- Keep your arms parallel to the ground and engage your core as you pull the rope towards your chin, letting your hands move apart slightly.
- When the rope is in front of your chin, return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs4. Cable Rear Delt Fly
Cable Rear Delt Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED645,918Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
Crossover CableThe Cable Rear Delt Fly targets the rear shoulders to improve your shoulder balance and posture. Using a cable machine allows for better muscle activation with constant tension. This exercise also strengthens the upper back and helps correct shoulder imbalances.
How to do it
- Adjust the pulleys to just above your eye level.
- Stand facing the pulleys with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grab the left pulley with your right hand and the right pulley with your left hand.
- Engage your core and extend your arms out to the sides, keeping them straight.
- Pause briefly when your arms are fully extended, then slowly return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs5. Cable Shoulder Press
Cable Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED164,564Shoulders Strength77 mScoreShoulders
Crossover CableThe Cable Shoulder Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulder muscles, especially the front and middle parts. Using cables keeps tension on the muscles, improving stability and control during the movement.
How to do it
- Set the pulleys to the lowest position and attach the handles.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles outside your shoulders, palms facing forward, and elbows by your sides.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are straight and in line with your ears, then lower them back down.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs6. Freemotion Shoulder Press
Freemotion Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED95,615Shoulders Strength82 mScoreShoulders
Freemotion Machine (all forms)The Freemotion Shoulder Press is a beginner-friendly exercise that targets your shoulder muscles. Using a Freemotion machine helps you maintain stability, making it easier to control your movements and focus on your form.
How to do it
- Adjust the dual pulleys to the lowest position with handle attachments.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handles at shoulder height with palms facing forward and elbows close to your sides.
- Press the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended, keeping your wrists and forearms straight.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position to repeat the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs7. Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise
Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED169,594Shoulders Strength80 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Rope CableThe Behind the Back Cable Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise that targets the lateral head to enhance shoulder width and definition. The cable setup helps create constant tension, giving you a different movement experience compared to dumbbells.
How to do it
- Stand sideways to the cable machine with your feet in front of the pulley.
- Hold the handle with the hand farthest from the machine, cable behind you, and palm facing in.
- With a slight bend in your elbow, raise the cable in an arc upward away from your body.
- Pause when the handle reaches shoulder height.
- Lower the weight back to the starting position while keeping shoulder tension.
- Keep your core tight, chest up, and shoulders back during the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps12.5lbs28reps12.5lbs38reps12.5lbs8. Cable Front Raise
Cable Front Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED178,281Shoulders Strength86 mScoreShoulders
Hi-Lo Pulley CableThe 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
- Adjust the cable machine pulley to its lowest setting and attach a bar.
- Stand facing away from the machine with the bar between your legs.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Grab the bar with an overhand grip and pull it to your hips, feeling tension in the cable.
- Engage your core, keep your back straight, and look forward.
- With your arms nearly straight, raise the bar to eye level in an arc by using your shoulders.
- Hold the raised position briefly before returning to the starting point with control.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps20lbs28reps20lbs38reps20lbs9. Cable Preacher Curl
Cable Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED230,299Biceps Strength85 mScoreBiceps
Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
Preacher Curl BenchThe Cable Preacher Curl is an exercise that specifically builds your biceps. By using a preacher curl bench, your arms are stabilized, preventing any movement that could reduce the effectiveness of the lift. A cable machine enables a consistent tension throughout the exercise.
How to do it
- Set the pulley to the lowest position and attach a bar.
- Sit on the preacher bench, facing the pulley, about 2-3 feet away.
- Press your chest against the pad and extend your arms to hold the bar.
- With your upper arms resting on the pad, curl the bar up by bending your elbows.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position after it touches your biceps.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs10. Tricep Overhead Extension with Rope
Tricep Overhead Extension with Rope demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED816,830Triceps Strength81 mScoreTriceps
Rope CableThe 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
- Attach a cable rope to the pulley at shoulder height.
- Stand facing away from the pulley and grip the rope with your palms facing each other.
- Bend slightly forward with your back straight and your chest up, positioning one foot forward.
- Extend your arms straight above your head, keeping your elbows close to your ears.
- Slowly bring your elbows back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs11. Cable Tricep Pushdown
Cable Tricep Pushdown demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED3,225,406Triceps Strength96 mScoreTriceps
Rope CableThe 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
- Set the pulley to the highest position with a straight or angled bar attached.
- Grip the bar with your palms facing down and elbows bent at 90 degrees, close to your body.
- Keep your core tight and your shoulders back.
- Push the bar down by extending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides until your arms are straight.
- Return to the starting position by bending your elbows back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs12. Cable Bicep Curl
Cable Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,964,708Biceps Strength93 mScoreBiceps
Rope CableThe Cable Bicep Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the biceps using a cable machine. It allows you to maintain tension on your muscles throughout the movement, which is great for building muscle mass.
How to do it
- Set the cable anchor to the lowest height.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold the handle with your palms facing up.
- Bend your elbows to lift the handle towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows close to your body.
- Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs13. Overhead Cable Bicep Curl
Overhead Cable Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED158,906Biceps Strength80 mScoreBiceps
Rope CableThe Overhead Cable Bicep Curl is an exercise that strengthens your biceps using cable resistance from an overhead position. This movement keeps constant tension on the biceps, helping to build muscle and improve their shape. It's great for beginners wanting to focus on arm definition.
How to do it
- Set the cable machine to the highest position.
- Stand in front of the machine and grab the handle with both hands, palms facing you.
- Keep your arms parallel to the ground.
- Curl the handle towards the top of your head, keeping your elbows still.
- Pause at the top for a moment, feeling the tension in your biceps.
- Slowly lower the handle back to the starting position while still engaging your biceps.
- Keep your core tight and avoid leaning back.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs14. Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension
Cable One Arm Underhand Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED588,980Triceps Strength84 mScoreTriceps
Rope CableThe 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
- Stand next to the cable machine with one arm aligned to the cable.
- Grab the handle with your palm facing up.
- Extend your arm down by straightening your elbow, keeping your elbow close to your side.
- At the bottom, rotate your arm so your palm faces in toward you and pause briefly.
- Slowly return to the starting position, keeping tension in your tricep.
- Engage your core, keep your elbow steady, and keep your wrist straight throughout the exercise.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs15. Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension
Cable One Arm Tricep Side Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED618,087Triceps Strength84 mScoreTriceps
Rope CableThe 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
- Stand next to the cable machine, slightly behind the cable path.
- Reach up and grab the handle with the hand farthest from the machine, palms facing you.
- Keep your elbow at your side and press the cable down and across your body using your triceps.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom of the movement.
- Slowly return to the starting position, keeping tension in your triceps.
- Engage your core, keep your shoulders back, and maintain good posture throughout.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps17.5lbs28reps17.5lbs38reps17.5lbs
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