Cable Attachments Guide

The cables are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that you'll find in the club!

Because you can use them from multiple angles and with a variety of grips, the cable machines can be extremely beneficial to add to your workout routine. (They also are a safer alternative than trying to lift heavy weights overhead.)

Although it's a great piece of equipment to use, all the attachment options can be a little confusing. 

Check out our list of the most commonly used cable machine attachments and what they are used for to help you get started using this tool like a pro!

Rubber Handle

The rubber handle attachments are extremely versatile and can be used to work essentially any part of the body on the cable machine! Some standard exercises using the rubber handle include: 

• Shoulder Raises
• Rows
• Bicep Curls
• Tricep Pushdowns

Rope

Unlike metal or plastic cable attachments, the cable ropes are flexible. The rope's flexibility and variety of grip options make the cable ropes super effective attachment for arm exercises. Cable ropes are a great attachment for exercises like:

• Face Pulls
• Hammer Curls
• Tricep Pushdowns

D Handle

The D Handle is most commonly used for seated rows. But, it is also great for other back exercises like close grip lateral pulldowns! (Performing the same exercise with different grips help you target smaller, finer muscles in the body.)

Lat Pull Down Bar

This bar is commonly used for exercises that target the lats (back) but can also be used for several bicep and tricep exercises! Common lat bar exercises are:

• Lateral Pulldowns
• Shrugs
• Seated Rows

Straight Bar

The straight bar is another extremely versatile attachment. Because the straight bar is smaller and requires a closer grip than the lat pull-down bar, it can be easier to perform more arm strengthening exercises with this bar instead!

Some exercises that can be performed on a straight bar are:

• Two Arm Bicep Curls
• Tricep Extensions
• Straight Arm Pushdowns

Double Handle Lat Bar

Similar to the other lat bars, this double-handled bar is great for exercises targeting your back muscles. This is a great attachment to change up your grip on a standard lateral pulldown, and it's also great for doing a seated row!

These exercises are just a few examples of the countless exercises that can be done on the cable machine.

Still have questions about how to use the cable machine?

Schedule your complimentary session with a personal trainer to learn more exercises, perfect your form, or try a full-body workout on the cable machine!