Cable Attachments

I sympathize with you if you're just starting to dabble in cable exercises. The main problem that I had was not what exercise to do, but rather what cable attachment to use with that exercise. My fear over being pointed and laughed at by my more seasoned gym colleagues was enough to intimidate me from ever performing cable exercises at the gym for the first year that I weightlifted there. I realize now that it was foolish of me, but I assume I'm not the only one who harbors these cable-attachment nightmares.

As far as cable attachments go, it's all really a matter of personal preference. As long as you're performing the exercise with the proper form, you can use any cable attachment you're comfortable with. I don't think anyone at the gym would look down their nose at you for using a little creativity.

However, if you're looking to purchase cable attachments for your home gym you'll want to purchase a few and get the most out of them. To help take the guesswork out of cable attachments, I've listed the most popular cable attachments, what they look like, what they're typically used for, as well as some training tips from my own personal workouts.

Swivel Lat Bar the center swivel on this bar allows a natural range of movement.

Short Straight Bar this rigid mini barbell is popular for triceps press downs.

Low Grip Bar - this triangle-shaped attachment is used for seated rows.

Biceps/Triceps Bar flat "W" bar targets your biceps, triceps, lats and delts.

Triceps Straps the nylon loops slip around your wrists for pain-free tri press downs.

Ankle Straps slips around your ankle for butt-burning leg extensions and kickbacks.

Rope Cable Attachments this flexible attachment offers more versatility then any other.

Parallel Lat Bar rigid old faithful is usually included with your multi gym purchase

Stirrup Handles these heavy-duty metal stirrups are used for cable crossovers.

V-Bar - this upside-down V attachment is an ergonomic alternative for tri press downs.

Ankle Straps