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BodyCraft Cable Machines

Bodycraft Cable Machines offer unparalleled flexibility and range of motion for your workouts. These versatile machines allow for a wide variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, making them essential for any home gym. Experience smooth, consistent resistance and customisable workouts with these high-quality cable machines.
Cable Machines

INTRODUCTION TO CABLE MACHINES

Cables machines are multifunctional pieces of gym equipment offering an extensive range of exercises and applicable training options for gym goers of all ability levels. Cable machines work via a pulley system attached to a weight stack to provide resistance through a natural movement pattern. Cable machines take many shapes, sizes and functions, with many options presenting themselves for buyers. The Fitshop team is here to help simplify the process for you by breaking down the features, functions and capabilities of cable machines in an easy to follow guide. 

Single Pulley Cable Machine

Single pulleys are a cost-effective, low footprint option for cable resistance training. Single pulleys use a single weight stack to provide resistance for a huge array of exercises. Single pulleys can be used with one or two handles, which will adjust the cable motion ratio. We will look into the finer points of cable ratio later, but it is important to know that most single pulleys will feature a 2:1 and a 4:1 ratio depending on how many grips you are utilising. 

FITSHOP RECOMMENDS
BodyCraft Cable Pull Station
Taurus Design Line Single Pulley 90kg
NOHRD SlimBeam Cable Machine
Cable Machines
Cable Machines

Dual Pulley Cable Machines

Dual pulleys double the pulleys and increase the functionality of your cable machine workouts. With two stacks and a wider frame, the machine allows for exercises such as cable flies and wider grip chest press. Converging (narrowing angle) exercises such as converging chest press and shoulder press. Dual pulleys also benefit from a wider range of attachments such as barbell attachments for squats, deadlifts and many more exercises. By providing horizontal resistance, dual pulleys provide a unique resistance when performing exercises such as squats, further challenging your core as you maintain form through the squat motion.

Some dual pulley cable machines feature a single stack. Machines with a single stack benefit from the wider frame whilst taking up a smaller overall footprint when compared to dual-stack cable machines. 

Commercial machines such as the Taurus Elite Cable Crossover are the largest type of dual pulley machines which allow for crossover exercises for the chest and shoulders.

FITSHOP RECOMMENDS 
Taurus Elite Dual Adjustable Pulley
Matrix FTR30 Functional Trainer
BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer
Cable Machines

WHAT IS CABLE RATIO?

Cable Machines

There are two things to consider with cable ratio: cable length and resistance. When using a machine with a 1:1 cable ratio, if you move the cable 1 meter, the weight stack will also move 1 meter vertically. This also means that if the weight stack is 100kg, you will feel the entire 100kg of the stack. 


Using a cable machine with a ratio of 2:1 the stack will move 1 meter for every 2 meters you move the cable. This also affects the resistance. With a cable machine ratio of 2:1, a stack of 100kg will provide 50kg of resistance.


Similarly, a 3:1 cable ratio will cause the stack to move 1 meter for every 3 meters you move the cables, and 100kg will provide 33kg of resistance. A cable machine ratio of 4:1 will move the stack 1 meter for every 4 meters, and 100kg will have a resistance of 25kg.

1:1 Cable Ratio

Cable machines with a 1:1 cable ratio such as the Bodycraft XFT are great for training strength, in particular compound movements such as lat pulldown, squats and chest press. With the 1:1 cable ratio you will get the full use of the weight of the stack as you lift. For people who lift above 45-50 kg, 2:1 and above cable machines will not provide the resistance that will help you pass plateaus.

However the 1:1 ratio suffers when trying to do quicker or explosive movements. They also suffer when it comes to isolation exercises and smaller muscle groups. The jump between individual weights in a stack tends to be around 5kg, whilst this may not seem like a lot for exercises such as lat pulldown, adding 5kg to a bicep curl or tricep extension is a much more significant jump in difficulty.
Cable Machines
Cable Machines

2:1 Cable Ratio

2:1 cable ratios are the most common cable machine ratio to find on the market. They have a satisfying and smooth glide and are great for users of all ability levels. Their smooth resistance makes machines incredibly versatile when performing exercise variations or sports-specific training. 

Cable machines with 2:1 ratios fit the middle ground of cable machine ratios in that they are fantastic for building muscle, and can handle dynamic movements. As a jack-of-all-trades 2:1 cable machines are most commonly found in commercial gyms to hit the widest breadth of fitness goals.

FITSHOP FAVOURITES
Taurus Pro Dual Adjustable Pulley
BodyCraft Cable Pull Station
Torque Anker 7 Strength Trainer

3:1 and 4:1 Cable Ratios

Higher differential ratios such as 3:1 and 4:1 excel in smooth and explosive movements making them great tools for dynamic training and rehabilitation. It is important to consider the length of cable available to perform exercises as 3:1 and 4:1 ratio machines tend to require more space. A good example is using a 4:1 cable machine for lunges. Lunges can be both dynamic and explosive and tend to take more space to perform. Additionally, if you add a twist to your exercise, then that would require more cable. Machines with 1:1 ratio and 2:1 ratio may struggle to reach these lengths before hitting their roof.

FITSHOP FAVOURITES
BodyCraft EFT Explosive Functional Trainer
NOHRD SlimBeam Cable Machine (ratio options available)
Cable Machines

USE CASES FOR CABLE MACHINES

Cable machines must meet the needs of the environment it is used in. Fitshop has separated the environments best suited to cable machines to match your use case. With the applicability and variety of cable machines available at Fitshop, we are certain there will be a machine here to match your aesthetic, needs and price point. 

Cable Machines for Home Gyms

When we consider placing any fitness equipment in a home, the top consideration is the amount of space a machine will take up. Cable machines come in a huge range of dimensions with this exact thought in mind. With the amount of variety available at Fitshop, we will consider a “home gym space” as a small to medium space inside a home. For homes with more space, “garage gym cable machines” will still be applicable. Home use cable machines tend to have smaller footprints which are great for saving space, however they do tend to require wall mounting for safe use, which may not be ideal for rented accommodation.
Cable Machines

BodyCraft Cable Pull Station

One of Fitshop’s best-selling cable pull machines, the Bodycraft Cable Pull Station is the perfect all-rounder in the single pulley category. The machine features a 90kg weight stack, 32 height adjustments and a variable 2:1/ 4:1 cable ratio for a great mix of training styles. The footprint of this machine is tiny with a 55cm length and width.  
Cable Machines

Taurus Design Line Dual Pulley

For a dual pulley cable machine that takes up a small space, look no further than the Taurus Design Line Dual Pulley. Standing only 29cm off the wall, makes this one of the most accessible dual pulleys on the market. Featuring a 90kg weight stack, 2:1 cable ratio and a choice of surfaces to fit your aesthetics, including a mirrored surface for checking exercise form. The Taurus Design Line is also available in a single pulley variant for saving even more space.
Cable Machines

NOHRD SlimBeam Cable Machine

The NOHRD SlimBeam is a top-class single pulley cable machine, perfect for a natural aesthetic for the home. The SlimBeam comes in a variety of wood types which brings a stylish touch to any room. With a choice of cable ratios available, rubberised weight plates to reduce noise and a built-in monitor to track your features, NOHRD are ahead of the competition for equipment ingenuity.  

Cable Machines for Garage Gyms

For residences that have access to a larger workout space, cable machines are a fantastic addition. More space opens up a wider variety of machines which expands the capabilities available. These suggestions tend to be stand-alone, making them perfect for homes and garages where drilling into the wall is not an option. Let’s take a closer look at the range.
Cable Machines

Taurus Pro Dual Adjustable Pulley

The Taurus Pro Dual Adjustable Pulley features two 95kg with a 2:1 ratio on each. The Dual Pulley features a multi-grip pull-up bar, a selection of attachments and 16 adjustable positions. The cable machine is a great option for a first-time buyer, with an accessible price point and a great range of base features the Taurus Pro Dual Adjustable Pulley is a reliable choice for your home. 
Cable Machines

BodyCraft EFT Explosive Functional Trainer

When it comes to functional training at high intensity with resistance the Bodycraft EFT Explosive Functional Trainer is the ultimate choice. The EFT works on a 4:1 ratio as a base for wonderfully smooth movement through high pace exercises. This is a great choice for sports conditioning and HIIT workouts which require explosive and dynamic functional exercises to develop. By using both cables together, the user will experience the cable transmission in 2:1 for developing strength and endurance.  
Cable Machines

Inspire Fitness FTX

For a cable machine that can stand the test of time, the Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer is the small footprint, free-standing cable machine of choice. The FTX comes with a lifetime warranty for the frame and parts due to Inspire Fitness’s confidence in the product’s reliability and longevity. Featuring a 2:1 cable ratio and twin 73kg weight stacks, the FTX is a competent cable machine you can rely on.

Luxury Cable Machines for Home Gyms

When it comes to premium fitness equipment then there needs to be something special to warrant the generally higher price point. Many of the cable machines featured here make a step above conventional cable machines in both features and design.
Cable Machines

NOHRD Wall Compact

More than a cable machine, the NOHRD Wall Compact is designed to be the ultimate home fitness centre. Featuring a touchscreen display with live streamed workouts and training programs, an integrated ski erg and 8 NOHRD SwingBells included as standard, the Wall is here to impress. All of that is before we even talk about the 3:1 cable ratio cable machine with ultra smooth movement and a 73kg weight stack. Its compact footprint and elegant design feels at home in any room and features a range of wood types to suit your aesthetic. 
Cable Machines

STIL-FIT PURE

For those looking for an integrated solution for their training, the STIL-FIT Functional Trainer PURE brings elegance and style to any room. With a matte black coating and is capable of being integrated into built-in wardrobes or storage units to bring a unique function to a room in your home. The cable machines features an 85kg weight stack, premium materials and are crafted for high-end clients fitting gym solutions on yachts, spas, luxury homes and more. 
Cable Machines

Inspire Fitness FT2 PRO

Looking for luxury quality in a traditional look, why not consider the Inspire Fitness FT2 PRO Functional Trainer, the cable machine of choice for Chris Hemsworth? With a dual pulley system offering 40 height settings and a weight multiplier that doubles resistance up to 158.8kg (350lbs), it adapts to every workout. The multi-grip pull-up bar, six pulley points, and integrated storage keep everything within reach. Plus, it comes fully loaded with a 13-piece accessory kit and three months of expert programming from Chris Hemsworth’s team to help you train smarter.

Commercial Cable Machines

When it comes to facilities such as commercial gyms, hotels and clinics, quality and resistance to wear and tear are essential. These machines are built with commercial environments in mind and can withstand heavy use from busy gym traffic whilst providing accessibility to users of all ability levels. This selection of cable machines comes with full commercial warranties and a variety of features to make your gym stand above the competition. 
Cable Machines

Life Fitness Signature Series Cable Motion Dual Adjust Pulley

Featuring two 195kg weight stacks and patented Cable Motion™ Technology, the Life Fitness Signature Series Cable Motion Dual Adjust Pulley  is a testament to Life Fitness's reputation as one of the best brands in the world for high-end commercial fitness. 
Cable Machines

Taurus Elite Cable Crossover

For gyms with the space, the Taurus Elite Cable Crossover is the piece of equipment to make your gym stand out above the rest. Each pulley features a 63kg weight stack, making it a reliable choice for beginners and fitness enthusiasts. The frame also comes with four storage hooks for additional cable attachments.
Cable Machines

Taurus Elite Dual Adjustable Pulley

The Taurus Elite Dual Pulley is Taurus's signature dual pulley machine. Perfect for commercial gyms, PT studios and clinics the Elite Dual Pulley features two 90kg weight stacks on a 1:2 cable ratio, multi-grip pullup bars and an array of cable attachments for varied workouts.

Why Buy Your Cable Machines From Fitshop?

Fitshop is the longest-established fitness equipment retailer in the UK and Europe’s #1 for home fitness. When you choose to buy from us, you’ll enjoy a range of great benefits, including:

  • Expert sales staff offering impartial advice in-store, online, over the phone, via email, live chat, and social media.
  • Try before you buy: Most of our Cable Machines and equipment can be tested in-store, and we offer demos of compatible workout apps. Find your nearest store here.
  • Interest-free finance: Available both online and in-store to help you invest in your purchase. Find out more here.
  • Delivery: We offer various delivery options across the UK through our trusted courier partners. Learn more here.
  • Aftercare: Our dedicated team provides world-class support and is available 7 days a week to help with any questions or queries.

SALES TEAM

If you’d like to learn more about our range of Cable Machines or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our in-house commercial sales team at sales@fitshop.co.uk or call us on 0141 737 2250.