Exercise library · Chest

How to Do Cable Iron Cross

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the cable iron cross.

How to do it

1. Begin by moving the pulleys to the high position, select the resistance to be used, and take a handle in each hand.
2. 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.
3. Keeping the elbows extended, pull your arms straight to your sides.
4. Return your arms back to the starting position after a pause at the peak contraction.
5. Continue the movement for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

Workouts with this exercise

Similar exercises

Cable CrossoverChest

Cable Chest PressChest

Incline Cable Chest PressChest

Standing Cable Chest PressChest

Low Cable CrossoverChest

Single-Arm Cable CrossoverChest

Gear for this exercise

Tube bands with handlesGym-like cable exercises at home.See it on Amazon →Door anchor for bandsTurns any door into a cable machine.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.