Cable machine for home gym

[Marka25]

Hi

I am new here and looking for some advice. I apologize in advance if my questions are dumb
I am planning to buy a cable machine for my home gym but i am a little confused about how much weight this machine should have. I read that if for example i set my weights to 40 kg and i have a double-pulley machine then it feels like i work out with 20kg. If that is true does it have the effect of working out with 20kg? Or does it have the effect of working out with 40kg? Or maybe even the effect of 80kg?

Thank you

Margus

[radrd]

It depends on the machine. Most functional trainers have a 2:1 or 4:1 ratio, so a 20 kg plate will provide 10kg resistance or 5k resistance. Lat pull down/low row single column machines are often 1:1 so a 20kg plate provides 20kg of resistance. Not sure if there are 3:1 ratios out there but there might Regardless, just check the specs to see the ratio of whatever machine you are considering.

[Marka25]

It depends on the machine. Most functional trainers have a 2:1 or 4:1 ratio, so a 20 kg plate will provide 10kg resistance or 5k resistance. Lat pull down/low row single column machines are often 1:1 so a 20kg plate provides 20kg of resistance. Not sure if there are 3:1 ratios out there but there might Regardless, just check the specs to see the ratio of whatever machine you are considering.

Thanks for the answer. If i train with 20kg on a 2:1 ratio machine do my muscles get the effect of training with 20kg or the effect of training with 10kg?

[illriginalized]

There’s cable systems that you can attach to your squat rack. That way you’re not adding more bulky equipment to your training space.

Example:

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-monster-slinger

The entire kit is $1275.

[radrd]

Thanks for the answer. If i train with 20kg on a 2:1 ratio machine do my muscles get the effect of training with 20kg or the effect of training with 10kg?

It's felt resistance so you feel 10kg and have the effect of training with 10kg even though the plate says 20kg. This is with 2:1.

[paulinkansas]

Not trying to derail this thread, but 90% of lifters can get by with a set of adjustable dumb bells and a flat bench. Follow the Fierce 5 dumb bell program. You won't get a Mr Universe physique, but women that you don't know will come up to you and touch your arms and get all giggity. It happens to me.

[Michiganian]

If i train with 20kg on a 2:1 ratio machine do my muscles get the effect of training with 20kg or the effect of training with 10kg?

10kg, because that's what the 2:1 ratio does: Reduces the felt, or realized, resistance.

[Marka25]

10kg, because that's what the 2:1 ratio does: Reduces the felt, or realized, resistance.

OK, it looks like i should be looking for a 1:1 machine then.

If my goal is to build and tone muscles (not trying to be huge) is there any advantages to 2:1 machine or is the 1:1 machine better?

[Marka25]

What is the pulley ratio with this kind of build? Is it 2:1?

[BiGx5MurF]

OK, it looks like i should be looking for a 1:1 machine then.

If my goal is to build and tone muscles (not trying to be huge) is there any advantages to 2:1 machine or is the 1:1 machine better?

A 1:1 machine will have limited cable travel, which might limit the ROM on certain movements. 2:1 is preferable for equipment like a functional trainer, due to the type of movements and greater ROM requred.

Personally, I find the best use of cable machines is to target and strengthen weak points (weaknesses, holding back my barbell strength, or making me injury prone). Because the of consistent resistance throughout movement. In which case, the lack of heavier resistance isn't a big deal.

[Marka25]

What is the pulley ratio with this kind of build? Is it 2:1?

Guys, any idea about that builds pulley ratio?

[air2fakie]

Guys, any idea about that builds pulley ratio?

Dude it has a weight stack, set the pin wherever you feel you need it to be. And don’t buy some machine with a really light total weight capacity just because you’re “not trying to be huge”.

[radrd]

What type of machine are you looking to purchase and what will you use it for? Answering both of these questions is where you should start. Don't worry about the felt resistance until you know what machine you want to buy to accomplish your goals.

[Marka25]

Dude it has a weight stack, set the pin wherever you feel you need it to be. And don’t buy some machine with a really light total weight capacity just because you’re “not trying to be huge”.

I know it is probably different for everyone but what would you consider the minimum total weight capacity should be?

[MajorTendonitis]

Besides weight capacity you should also be paying attention to pulley size. I have mine half built , as the lower pulley system isn't built yet , but I made sure to use 4.5” pulleys when the cable is going around it 90 degrees, and a 6” pulley where the cable goes around the pulley 180 degrees.
Otherwise it may not be as smooth as you like

[Marka25]

Besides weight capacity you should also be paying attention to pulley size. I have mine half built , as the lower pulley system isn't built yet , but I made sure to use 4.5” pulleys when the cable is going around it 90 degrees, and a 6” pulley where the cable goes around the pulley 180 degrees.
Otherwise it may not be as smooth as you like

Thanks. I will keep that in mind.

[air2fakie]

I know it is probably different for everyone but what would you consider the minimum total weight capacity should be?

That was my point, don’t look to buy the “minimum” you’ll need, especially since you’re concerned about things like pulley ratio, perceived effective weight, etc. Buy something that’s not on the lowest end of the range, read the reviews to see what people complain about, and you’ll be fine.

Don’t assume you only need the lightest weight to “build and tone muscles” whatever that means, and if you’re spending money on a multi-functional machine, don’t assume you’ll never want to be more than that.