Most people prefer dumbbells and kettlebells when it comes to free weight training. A cable machine is not something that anyone would want to use unless it’s their only option.
You’ll be shocked to learn that it’s the cable pulling system that can help you break that fitness plateau.
The American Council on Exercise recommends that you ditch the free weights and use the cable pulley system occasionally for a few weeks.
Are you curious about the amazing cable pulley system?
This is the purpose of this article. We will be discussing the advantages of cable pulley systems over free weights. We’ll also give you a list of the best cable pulley system that we recommend for home gyms.
Let’s begin!
1. Mikolo Fitness Pulley System
This is our top pick for beginners. It can be used as both a high- and low pulley. You can have it set up in either direction by moving the hanging strap. This can be done while you are working out. Mikolo Fitness Pulley System has a 70- and 90-foot cable.
The pulley system can hold up to 280lbs. The pulley system comes with a straight handle as well as a triceps rope. The loading pin can be used with standard or Olympic plates. The metal pulley is quiet and can swivel 360 degrees.
Pros
- Includes two cables – 70ft and 90ft
- You can use it as an upper or lower pulley
- Plates of Standard or Olympic Size
Cons
- The Olympic Sleeve is not made of metal – some users feel it’s too fragile
2. SYL Fitness Cable Pulley System
This home gym pulley system is simple to set up. This is our top pick overall. The SYL Fitness Cable Pulley System can hold 800lbs. This is more than any other pulley system in this guide. It can be attached to your power rack or chin bar, as well as a sturdy beam. The strap has a pulley and wraps around the anchor point. The pulley can rotate 360 degrees.
The steel pulley bracket is welded to the strap for stability. The strap attaches onto a steel cable with a chain extension. The extension measures 20 inches in length. As you need it, add it to your cable. The loading pin is strong and made for strength.
Only the looped strap handle is included in this system. An extra-priced version includes a triceps rope.
Pros
- Pulley for Welded Swivel
- Attaches to any sturdy beam, pole, or exercise equipment
- Can Hold Up To 800 Pounds
Cons
- There aren’t many attachments available
3. Antelife Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System
4. TRENDBOX Pulley Machine
The TRENDBOX Pulley Machine can be permanently installed in your home gym. TRENDBOX’s 17-inch steel frame bolts to a brick or concrete wall. You can also install it on non-loading bearing wooden walls.
This is the structure that holds the pulley. The TRENDBOX Pulley system comes with 3 handles and 2 nylon ropes. These include a short straight line, D-handles, and a triceps rope. The steel pulleys are quiet and silent. To hang accessories, there are small hooks built into the frame. The maximum load is 280lbs.
Pros
- Permanently installed in concrete, brick, or wood studs
- Holds 280lbs
- Included 3 Handles
Cons
- Some users feel that the included bolts are not strong enough.
5. Spud Inc Pulley Systems
Spud Inc Pulley System is sold and supported by Rogue. Rogue has exceptional equipment that can be used for any type of training. It can hold up to 500lbs. Spud Inc Pulley System is a combination pulley option. You can choose from a high or low pulley or both.
Attach the pulley to any beam, pole, or piece of exercise equipment with a strap. A cable is attached with a swivel pulling device. The high pulley has looped straps. The stump handle of the low pulley is shorter.
Rogue also offers other handles at an additional cost. These features make Rogue the ideal choice for a combination low and high pulley system.
Pros
- PROS You have the option of a high or low pulley or both
- Can Hold up to 550lbs
- Easy To Attach
Cons
- Extra-Costly Attachments
6. J Bryant Fitness Pulley System
This is our top pick for the best senior pulley system. Seniors want to stay fit. Seniors can use the J Bryant Fitness Pulley System easily. The hanging strap wraps around any beam, power rack, or pole.
This can be used indoors or outdoors. The pulley is made of steel and the carabiners are 4 steel. The loading strap is used instead of the loading pin in this pulley system. The strap can hold up to 220lbs. The J Bryant Fitness Pulley System is quiet.
Pros
- Attaches To Any Beam, Pole, Or Chin Bar
- Can Holds up to 220 Pounds
- Quiet, Smooth Operation
Cons
- Some users may prefer a loading pin
7. Fitty Max Fitness Cable Pulley System Gym
8. Titan Fitness V3 Pulley Systems
This is our top pick for the best wall-mounted pulley system. The Titan Fitness V3 Pulley System works just like regular pulldown machines. It bolts to any wall, but there is a difference.
It has a standard lat machine-type high and low pulley. It’s a height-adjustable pullingey in this instance. There are 18 positions. It also has a two-pulley bracket. You can do two-arm exercises with the D-handles included.
A free-standing lat unit does not have a seat or knee pads. For some exercises, you will need to sit down on the bench. You can choose from a dual pole track with 84 or 80 inches of length.
The frame is made of heavy-duty steel. The V3 can be used with Titan power racks. This unit can support up to 350 lbs.
Pros
- Steel Tower Design Attaches to a Wall
- Capable of holding up to 350lbs
- Capable of holding up to 350lbs Includes a High and Low Pulley
Cons
- Some users feel the unit is not as smooth during the Concentric Phase of any exercise
9. The Body-Solid BFFT10R functional trainer
This unique pulley machine is stand-alone. The Body-Solid’s BFFT10R functional trainer is available. Two adjustable swiveling pulleys are available with D-handles. These pulleys attach to a single, 190lb weight stack.
The machine can be used to perform various single- and double-arm exercises. There are 19 height adjustments for the pulleys. A chin bar is also included. The BFFT10R can be easily fitted into most home gyms.
Pros
- Stand-Alone Pulley Systems
- Features two height-adjustable swivel pulleys
- There is a 190lb weight stack
Cons
- You may not be able to fit in all exercise spaces
10. HulkFit Pulley Systems
This pulley system was specifically made for the HulkFit Power Cage. It attaches directly to the chin bar. It can be used with any power rack. You can attach it to any beam if your rack doesn’t have a chin bar.
The HulkFit Pulley System can hold 200lbs. The system comes with a tricepsrope. You can also use any lat machine attachment. This makes it an excellent addition to any serious lifter’s home gym.
Pros
- This is the HulkFit Power Rack
- Uses any rack or squat stand
- Holds 200lbs
Cons
- Only Available with a Triceps Rope
11. SERTT Weight Cable Pulley System Gym
12. Power Lift Fitness Pulley System
This is our most value-conscious pulley. The Power Lift Fitness Pulley System has a silent pulley, which can swivel 360 degrees. The system comes with two D-handles as well as a tricepsrope. The loading pin can support up to 220lbs.
Standard or Olympic plates can be used. The Power Lift Fitness Pulley System has a water-resistant attachment band. It can attach to any beam or post. For strength, the cable is also 2mm thick.
Pros
- 220 lb Olympic or Standard Plates
- 360 Degrees of Silent Pulley Swivel
- Features a 2mm thick cable
Cons
- Some users complain about no instructions
13. Valor Fitness PY-1 Portable Pulley station
This pulley system makes a great choice for frequent travelers. This pulley system is also great for those who enjoy exercising outdoors and in other locations.
The maximum load capacity of the Valor Fitness Portable Pulley Station is 200lbs. The cable is protected from weather and wear with rubber sheathed 75-inch length.
The PY-1 has looped handles. Any pulley attachment can be used. However, they will need to be purchased separately. The pulley is made of solid steel.
Pros
- Portable – It can be used anywhere
- Can Hold Up To 200 Pounds
- Rubber-Sheathed Cable
Cons
- Additional charges may apply for attachments
14. Gold’s GymXRS 50 Home Gym
The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 home gym features a high- and low-pulley system. You can perform single-arm and dual-arm leg and upper body exercises. This single-stack home gym is based on the pulley system.
The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 offers 280lb weight stack resistance. A combination chest press/fly station is available as well as a leg extension/leg curl combo. The XRS 50 home gym has a built-in pulley.
Pros
- A self-contained home gym with upper and lower pulley systems
- Resistance of 280lbs
- Includes D-Handles and a Lat Bar
Cons
- May Be Too Big For Some Home Gyms
15. PELLOR Cable Pulley System
This lightweight and portable cable pulley weight system can be used for your wrists or forearm. It can also be used to train other muscles by beginners.
This pulley is easily hangable to any overhead hook with the help of a 10-inch rope. For added comfort, all handles are covered in EVA foam.
Pros
- Storage space is very limited
- Flying handles and straight bars included
- Easy to transport and light weight
Cons
- Lower weight capacity
- As the post diameter of the weight is small, it may cause weight wobbles
This piece of equipment is great for beginners and can also be used as an emergency spare pulley set.
The Best Home Gym Pulley System
A home gym pulley system is a great tool to add to your arsenal of workout equipment.
A cable pulley is a great tool for hitting the full range of motion. They provide more time under tension than weights and are equally effective for both beginners and experienced users.
These pulleys are portable, and depending on which system you choose, they can be attached almost anywhere there is a strong wall, doorframe, or power rack.
These are the top things to consider when selecting the right home gym pulley system that will suit your needs and help you achieve your fitness goals.
Maximum Weight Rating
When buying home gym equipment, the most important thing to look at is the maximum weight rating.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a doorway pull-up bar or stepper. Maximum weight is crucial information when purchasing.
A few factors affect the strength of a home-gym pulley system: the anchor type, the quality of the clips, and the manufacturing process of the cable and pulley.
The majority of home gym pulley systems can handle weights up to 200lbs, while Rogue Fitness has a maximum weight capacity of 500lbs.
Cable Length
The length of your home gym’s pulley system cable will determine how many exercises and the range at which you can do them.
You can do cable crunches with a longer cable, and it also gives you more motion for your workouts.
Small Footprint
There are many benefits to working out at home. There are no long lines for equipment, no need to curl in the squat rack, and no commute.
The main problem for many of us is the lack of exercise space.
The footprint of home gym pulley systems is almost negligible. Because they take up almost no floor space, they are the ultimate compact home gym.
Pick the pulley system that best suits your home.
Cable Versatility and Handle
People buy a home gym pulley system mainly because they want an all-in-one home gym.
High-quality pulley systems not only are tough but also have attachments that will allow you to perform all the exercises you wish to when you work out.
You have the option of multiple ropes, handles, and cable lengths. This allows you to do a variety of exercises that stimulate your muscles and keep them sharp for maximum improvement.
Are Pulley Systems better than free weights?
The short answer to that question is no, as we’ve already stated. But there is more to it. Nothing can replace the fundamentals for powerlifters or bodybuilders. A pulley system can be an important supplement to these exercises. A pulley system is better than free weights for seniors. If you are training for general fitness, the same applies. It doesn’t matter which one is better, but what’s best for you and your goals. You can and should use both.
Conclusion
Are you ready to invest in a home-gym pulley system? This is a smart investment that will allow you to exercise in a variety of ways.
This is our pick for the best overall. The SYL Fitness Cable Pulley System can hold 800lbs. It can be attached to any pole, pole, chinbar, or power rack. It can be used indoors or outdoors. The loading pin is made of welded parts for strength. This makes it strong enough to be used by anyone. The 20-inch steel chain extension is also available. This allows you to adjust the length of your cable if necessary.
Do you prefer a wall-mounted stationary unit? The Titan Fitness Pulley System works like a pulldown machine. It features a dual-track bar design and a height-adjustable pulling. There are 18 height options. It can be used by anyone of any height. You can also adjust the pulley height to do low or high pulley exercises. The V3 has a two-pulley system which works well with the D-handles.
Are you starting your fitness journey? The Mikolo Health and Fitness Pulley System will be your best option. You can store up to 280lbs. This gives you the opportunity to increase your strength. There are two types of cables: a 70ft and 90ft. You can also use Olympic or standard plates.
A home gym pulley system can open up many new exercise options, as we’ve seen. These can be done only with pulleys. You will find the best home gym pulley system that suits your needs and goals. This guide will help you make the right decision.