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Cable Exercise Vs Machine Exercise

Cable Exercise Vs Machine Exercise
Cable Exercise Vs Machine Exercise
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Most gym facilities offer multiple types of equipment, including standard weight machines, cable exercise machines and free weights. The purpose of both weight machines and cable machines is to increase strength and improve muscle tone, but there are advantages, disadvantages and other information to consider when deciding which is most appropriate for the exerciser and her goals.

From Quick Guide: Gym Equipment Guide

    Types

  1. Nautilus Seated Leg Press works all lower body muscles and can be performed unilaterally.
     
    Nautilus Seated Leg Press works all lower body muscles and can be performed unilaterally.
    Cable machines come in the form of a large multistation with various attachments, weight stacks with two adjustable arms and handles or muscle-group-specific machines that are similar to standard weight machines. Weight machines target each muscle group individually, except for the leg press, and have an adjustable seat with attached weight stack for incremental weight changes.
  2. Function

  3. Free Motion Cable Cross with fully adjustable cable arms
     
    Free Motion Cable Cross with fully adjustable cable arms
    Cable machines are designed to offer multiple exercise options in one machine, which can benefit a facility by requiring less space. The exerciser is also able to perform different exercises in the same place, which can keep heart rate elevated for a circuit training-type workout. Weight machines are produced with at least one option per body part, and most facilities arrange them in a logical flow from one muscle group to the next. Full instructions and pictures are included on the machines so exercisers of any skill level can use them properly.
  4. Benefits

  5. Free Motion Chest Press adjusts to fit smaller frame sizes.
     
    Free Motion Chest Press adjusts to fit smaller frame sizes.
    Cable machines fit a wide range of body sizes with little to no setup, so more exercises can be completed in a shorter time frame. Cable exercise recruits smaller assisting and stabilizing muscle groups as well as the main muscle(s) being targeted and also mimics realistic movements. One limb can move independently on some cable machine models, which is beneficial to address muscle imbalances between limbs. Weight machines most often target one muscle group at a time for focused training. Risk of injury and improper form is reduced when joints are aligned with joint markers on the machine.
  6. Considerations

  7. Free Motion Cable Cross simultaneous biceps curl/triceps pressdown
     
    Free Motion Cable Cross simultaneous biceps curl/triceps pressdown
    Most cable machines require standing, so they are more weight-bearing and bone-building. Cable machines require proper form and body alignment and are more appropriate for those with weight-training experience. Weight machines are more comfortable and accessible for those who cannot stand comfortably. More transition time and setup is required with weight machines than with cable machines, but weight machines are beginner-friendly.
  8. Warning

  9. Joints properly aligned on Nautilus Seated Leg Extension
     
    Joints properly aligned on Nautilus Seated Leg Extension
    Some attachments at a cable multistation are heavy and can drop when changing the weight pin, so exercisers should press down on the top weight plate when doing so. Injury can occur when joints are not properly lined up with markers on weight machines. When performing exercise unilaterally--with one limb at a time--weight on a weight machine should be lowered to more than half of what can be moved with both limbs.
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