Cable Iron Cross
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Cable Iron Cross
- Begin by moving the pulleys to the high position, select the resistance to be used, and take a handle in each hand.
- Stand directly between both pulleys with your arms extended out to your sides. Your head and chest should be up while your arms form a "T". This will be your starting position.
- Keeping the elbows extended, pull your arms straight to your sides.
- Return your arms back to the starting position after a pause at the peak contraction.
- Continue the movement for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Cable Iron Cross
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Cross Over - With Bands
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the chest, using a resistance band.
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2
Cable Chest Press
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
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3
Cable Crossover
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
-
4
Incline Cable Chest Press
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
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5
Low Cable Crossover
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
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6
Single-Arm Cable Crossover
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
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7
Standing Cable Chest Press
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the chest, using a cable machine.
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8
Push-Ups
The push-up is a fundamental bodyweight exercise that targets the chest, triceps, and shoulders while engaging the core. It's one of the most effective exercises for building upper body strength without equipment.
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9
Alternating Floor Press
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the chest, using a kettlebell.
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10
Barbell Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the chest, using a barbell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do cable iron cross work?
Cable Iron Cross primarily works the chest.
What equipment do I need for cable iron cross?
Cable Iron Cross uses cable machine.
Cable Iron Cross: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Cable Iron Cross is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of cable iron cross?
Cross Over - With Bands, Cable Chest Press, Cable Crossover train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my cable iron cross reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; cable iron cross can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Cable Iron Cross with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.