Cables vs Free Weights: Pros and Cons

Are you looking to build strength but hesitate between cables and free weights? Some prefer dumbbells and barbells, while others argue that a weight cable pulley is more effective.

Okay, let’s compare cable machines versus free weights, explore the pros and cons of both, and introduce a compact and versatile model, the Tousains Cable Machine CR63. 

Advantages of Free Weights

Free weights, like dumbbells and kettlebells, are popular free weight options. 

Natural range of motion: With free weights, you’re not restricted to a fixed path. This allows your joints and muscles to move more naturally, leading to better muscle activation and functional strength.

Engages stabilizer muscles: Since free weights require balance and control, they activate more stabilizing muscles compared to machines. 

Functional strength: Free weights mimic daily movements, like lifting or pushing, which helps you perform better in daily life. 

Progressive overload: It’s easy to adjust the weight incrementally, particularly with adjustable weights. Looking for effective tools for long-term muscle growth? It is the solution. 

Affordable & accessible: For beginners, a pair of dumbbells or a barbell set can be one of the cheapest and simplest ways to start resistance training at home. They require less storage as well.

So, are dumbbells better than machines? In some cases, yes—especially if your main goal is overall strength and functional movements.

Disadvantages of Free Weights

While free weights have clear benefits, they also come with drawbacks you should consider:

Higher risk of injury: Without proper form, free weights can put strain on joints or lead to accidents, especially when lifting heavy weights.

Less controlled movement: Compared with the fixed path provided by cable machines, free weights don’t guide your range of motion and makes it easier to develop poor lifting habits that may cause imbalances or muscle strain.

Advantages of Cable Machines

Constant tension: With free weights, resistance isn’t always consistent. At some angles, the load can feel lighter. Cables solve this by maintaining steady tension through the whole range of motion. 

Safer for beginners: The guided motion of cable machines reduces the risk of poor form or injury, especially for people new to strength training.

Targeted muscle training: A weight cable pulley allows you to isolate specific muscles more effectively than free weights.

Variety in one machine: With adjustable pulleys and different handles, you can perform dozens of exercises, lat pulldowns, rows, curls, pushdowns, and so on.

Resistance from every angle: Free weights mostly work against gravity in a straight up-and-down path. Cables, on the other hand, let you push, pull, or rotate in almost any direction. This helps train muscles that don’t always get challenged with traditional lifts.

Potential Limitations of Cable Machines

While cable machines are versatile, they also come with some drawbacks:

Takes up space & higher cost: Compared with free weights like dumbbells, cable machines are bulkier and more expensive. For users with limited room or budget, this can be a challenge.

Lack of functional training: Free weights mimic movements you perform in daily life, engaging stabilizer muscles and improving coordination. Cable machines, on the other hand, provide guided resistance, which may not transfer as well to functional movements, like carrying heavy things.

Cables vs Free Weights: Make the Decision

Are cables better than free weights? Both have advantages. The best choice depends on your goals, space, and experience level. Here’s a quick guide:

Choose free weights if you:

• Want to build functional strength that carries over to daily activities or sports.
• Prefer exercises with a full range of motion and natural movement patterns.
• Have enough experience to maintain good form and stability without guided support.
• Need a budget-friendly option that doesn’t take up much space.

Choose cable machines if you:

• Are a beginner who wants to benefit from the guided motion for safer workouts.
• Want to isolate specific muscles with controlled resistance.
• Prefer a more versatile home gym option that combines multiple exercises in one machine.
• Have enough space and budget to invest in a home gym machine.

There’s also a third option: combine free weights and cables to enjoy the best of both worlds! That’s where the Tousains Cable Machine CR63 comes in: it’s designed to work with your existing dumbbells as weight plates, allowing you to enjoy cable-guided exercises while still relying on free weights for resistance.

Build Strength with Tousains Cable Machine CR63

Unlike traditional cables that occupy too much space, the cable exercise equipment from Tousains is quite compact and combines cardio and strength training:

2-in-1 functionality: Integrating the functions of rowing machines and cable machines, the Tousains Cable Machine CR63 makes it possible to switch cardio and strength training in one machine.

Compact for small spaces: Living in an apartment or small home gym setup? With the foldable design of this cable exercise equipment, you can simply pull out the knob and store the pulley exercise machine away when not in use.

Supports up to 330 lbs: The machine is tested to handle up to 330 pounds of weight, allowing beginners and experienced lifters to progress. It’s also fully compatible with most dumbbells, allowing you to customize your workouts as you get stronger.

Budget-Friendly and Durable: While many cable machines cost you thousands of dollars, the Tousains Cable Machine CR63 is less than $300. Its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting use.

No dumbbells to add the weights for this pulley exercise machine? Tousains also provides adjustable dumbbells (a pair)—normally priced at $259, but when bundled with the Tousains Cable Machine CR63, the set costs just $399 in total, giving you a complete strength setup at an unbeatable value! Visit the Tousains website to learn more and start building your home gym today!