Skip to main content

Best Chest Workouts With Cable Machines To Build Strength

About

Cables are a versatile piece of equipment, providing unique benefits for resistance training and allowing precise muscle activation.

The chest muscles, or pectorals, can be effectively targeted through exercises that involve horizontal presses and shoulder adduction.

Strength-building workouts focus on progressively increasing resistance, typically using combinations of compound and isolation movements.

By utilizing adjustable handles and resistance directions, cable machines offer tailored exercises to engage specific muscle groups efficiently.

Incorporating these principles can enhance workout sessions to develop the pectoral region and overall strength.

The 10 Best Chest Exercises with Cable Machines to Build Strength

Ranked By

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

  • 1. Cable Crossover Fly

    Cable Crossover Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,687,316
    Chest Strength
    95 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable

    The Cable Crossover Fly is a chest exercise that uses cables to maintain tension and control. This exercise helps isolate different parts of the chest for a focused workout.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulleys to just above head height.
    2. Stand with one foot forward, holding the pulley handles at shoulder height with palms facing forward.
    3. Engage your core and keep your spine straight.
    4. With arms extended, sweep the handles down in a wide arc towards the bottom of your ribcage.
    5. Return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 2. 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
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. Cable Chest Press

    Cable Chest Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    435,174
    Chest Strength
    76 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable
    Photo of Freemotion Machine (all forms)
    Freemotion Machine (all forms)

    The Cable Chest Press is a great exercise for working your chest, shoulders, and triceps. Using cable machines keeps tension on your muscles and lets you adjust the direction of the resistance.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable pulleys just above shoulder height.
    2. Sit with your back against the seat and hold the handles at chest height, shoulder-width apart, with palms facing down.
    3. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
    4. Push your arms forward while keeping the handles at shoulder level.
    5. Return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 4. Incline Cable Chest Press

    Incline Cable Chest Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    108,055
    Chest Strength
    48 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Freemotion Machine (all forms)
    Freemotion Machine (all forms)

    The Incline Cable Chest Press strengthens the upper chest muscles by using cables at an incline. This exercise helps improve muscle growth and provides added safety for your joints while also engaging your core.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulleys to just above shoulder height.
    2. Sit against the seat, holding the pulley handles at chest height with palms facing down.
    3. Engage your core to maintain a neutral spine.
    4. Push your arms forward, keeping elbows slightly below shoulders.
    5. Return to start by bending your elbows and bringing the handles back.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 5. Low Cable Chest Fly

    Low Cable Chest Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    947,897
    Chest Strength
    67 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable

    The Low Cable Chest Fly is a strength exercise that focuses on building the lower chest muscles. Using cables at a low height helps create constant resistance and better control during the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Set the pulley cables to the lowest position.
    2. Stand with one foot in front for balance.
    3. Hold the cable handles next to your hips with your palms facing up.
    4. With a slight bend in your elbows, lift the cables up to your upper chest, keeping your palms facing the ceiling.
    5. Bring the cables back down to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 6. Mid Cable Crossover Fly

    Mid Cable Crossover Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    245,447
    Chest Strength
    28 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable

    The Mid Cable Crossover Fly targets the mid-chest area to help create a balanced chest shape. Using a cable machine, this exercise keeps constant tension on the chest muscles for better development.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable machine to shoulder height.
    2. Grab a handle in each hand and step forward into a light lunge, creating tension on the cables.
    3. Engage your chest and pull the cables in front of you, keeping a slight bend in your elbows.
    4. Hold the position for a moment, feeling the tension in your chest.
    5. Slowly release the weights back to the starting position while maintaining chest tension.
    6. Keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the movement.
    7. Switch legs and repeat, doing equal sets on both sides.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 7. Single Arm Low Cable Crossover Fly

    Single Arm Low Cable Crossover Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    148,146
    Chest Strength
    49 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable

    The Single Arm Low Cable Crossover Fly is a chest exercise targeting the lower pectoral muscles. It helps improve muscle balance and definition through a focused stretch and contraction of each side individually.

    How to do it

    1. Stand to the side of the cable machine with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Grab the cable handle with one hand and pull it up and across your body.
    3. Hold the position at the top for a moment, feeling the tension in your chest.
    4. Slowly return the handle to the starting position while keeping the tension.
    5. Switch arms and repeat the exercise on the other side.
    6. Keep your core tight and back straight throughout the movement.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 8. Single Arm Cable Crossover

    Single Arm Cable Crossover demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    209,250
    Chest Strength
    74 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
    Hi-Lo Pulley Cable

    The Single Arm Cable Crossover is a chest exercise that helps improve muscle balance and symmetry. It also engages your core for better stability as you work each side independently.

    How to do it

    1. Set the cable anchor at shoulder height.
    2. Stand sideways to the cable pole.
    3. Grab the handle with your inside hand, palm facing forward and arm extended.
    4. Pull the cable across your body in a circular motion until it reaches the middle of your chest, keeping your elbow slightly bent.
    5. Return to the starting position slowly and switch to the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 9. Cable Crossover Flat Bench Fly

    Cable Crossover Flat Bench Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    19,916
    Chest Strength
    82 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Cable Crossover Flat Bench Fly is a chest exercise that helps strengthen and build muscle in your chest and shoulders. Using cables provides steady resistance and allows for better control of the movement angle.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a flat bench positioned between two cables, aligning your chest with the cables.
    2. Grab a handle in each hand with palms facing up.
    3. Bring the cables together in front of your chest until the handles almost touch, using your chest muscles.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, feeling the contraction in your chest.
    5. Slowly return the cables to the starting position while keeping tension in your chest.
    6. Keep your head, shoulders, and hips on the bench, and maintain a slight bend in your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 10. Cable Crossover Incline Bench Fly

    Cable Crossover Incline Bench Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    37,458
    Chest Strength
    75 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Crossover Cable
    Crossover Cable
    Photo of Incline Bench
    Incline Bench

    The Cable Crossover Incline Bench Fly is an exercise that helps strengthen your chest and shoulders. By using cables and an incline bench, you can better control the resistance and focus on your upper chest muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on an incline bench between two cable pulleys and hold a handle in each hand.
    2. Pull the cables up and in front of you in an arc, focusing on your chest.
    3. Pause at the top, keeping tension in your chest.
    4. Slowly lower the weights back to the starting position while maintaining chest tension.
    5. Keep your head, shoulders, and hips pressed against the bench with a slight bend in your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Chest Workouts to Build Strength

Alternative Workouts with Cable Machines to Build Strength

Alternative Chest Workouts with Cable Machines