How to Do Low Cable Crossover
Start and end of one clean rep of Low Cable Crossover.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Chest |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Shoulders |
| Equipment | Cable |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Low Cable Crossover
- To move into the starting position, place the pulleys at the low position, select the resistance to be used and grasp a handle in each hand.
- Step forward, gaining tension in the pulleys. Your palms should be facing forward, hands below the waist, and your arms straight. This will be your starting position.
- With a slight bend in your arms, draw your hands upward and toward the midline of your body. Your hands should come together in front of your chest, palms facing up.
- Return your arms back to the starting position after a brief pause.
Muscles worked
- Chest (primary): pushes the arms forward and across the body — your horizontal pressing power.
- Shoulders (secondary): raises and rotates the arms and drives everything overhead.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Set the shoulder blades down and back and keep them pinned there so the chest, not the front of the shoulders, does the pressing.
- Keep tension on the cable through the whole range — pause before the stack touches down instead of letting it crash.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Warm up the pattern with a couple of lighter, submaximal sets before your working sets.
Common mistakes
- Flaring the elbows straight out to the sides, which puts the shoulder joint in a weak, vulnerable spot.
- Letting the stack yank the working muscle back at the end of each rep.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Low Cable Crossover work?
Low Cable Crossover mainly works the chest, with the shoulders helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Low Cable Crossover?
Low Cable Crossover needs a cable station with the right handle attachment.
How many sets and reps should I do for Low Cable Crossover?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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