Why I Still Love Cable Workouts

I’ve been using cable machines since the early ’90s. I've been doing them long enough to know they’re one of the most underrated tools in the gym.

Unlike free weights, which rely on gravity, cables provide resistance in all directions. That means you can train your muscles through different angles and planes such as frontal, sagittal, transverse, all while keeping tension consistent. It’s smarter resistance. More control. Less strain.

Back in 1994, I helped design one of the first dual adjustable pulley systems. To this day, I still use cables for myself and my clients because of their versatility, safety, and effectiveness.

Here’s a quick full-body circuit that blends upper body and core:

1. Standing Reverse Cable Fly – Hits the rear delts and upper back.
2. Cable Chest Fly – Focuses on the chest with great control.
3. Rope Ab Crunch – Better ab targeting than most floor work.
4. Cable Side Bends – Builds lateral strength in the obliques.
5. Pallof Press – One of the best core stability exercises out there.

Try 15–20 reps of each, repeat for 3–5 rounds. It’s simple, efficient, and ridiculously effective.

Cables have been part of my toolkit for over 30 years—and for good reason.

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