The double pulley machine
The double pulley machine is an excellent device for the isolation of the pectoral muscle over a true range of motion. The biggest argument against weight machines is that they do not offer an effective and true range of motion, but the double pulley, or cable crossover, is an exception.
The machine is a very user friendly gym station, and as many weight trainers are very concerned about the isolation and development of the pectoral muscles, this is always a popular station. No comprehensive gym can afford to be without a two pulleys machine.
The machine is easily mastered, but offers a range of available weight that will make it challenging enough for the most experienced trainer at any gym. The double pulley machine can also be used safely without the need for a spotter or assistant.
The double pulley machine is designed and constructed for a professional gym environment, and its heavy steel framing, and quality mechanisms, will offer years of reliable and durable usage.
Muscles worked by the double pulleys machine
The double pulleys machine is a machine that is devoted to the isolation and development of the chest, over a large and true range of motion. Secondary muscles and synergists include the deltoids, biceps, lats, rhomboids and triceps.
The exercise works the upper body well due to its large and true range of motion.
Appearance and dimensions of the double pulley machine
The double pulley machine is a professional quality machine, with white steel framing and quality mechanisms. The handled pulleys are located at cables end atop two weight stack platforms at more than an outstretched arms reach across, and the pulleys and cables offer smooth and realistic action, for a true range of motion resistance exercise.
The weights are adjustable through a variable pinioning system.
The dimensions of the machine are 295 cm x 80 cm x 215 cm, and the available weight per weight stack is 80 kg, and the total weight of the double pulleys machine is 260 kg.
How to use the double pulley machine
The double pulley machine is very user friendly and the correct technique can be mastered quickly. The machine is very safe to use, and there is no need for a spotter or assistant.
The first step is to adjust the weight to be lifted on both weight stacks. Insert the steel pin into the slot under the correct number of weight plates at both sides of the machine.
Grab each pulling cable handle with an inward facing grip, and stand in the center between the two platforms, with an arms outstretched t shaped positioning. You will bend your back during the completion of the muscle movement, but you should try to bend from the waist and keep your back rigid and straight,
Exhale as you power the cables inward and down. Keep moving towards the center of your body, until you are slightly bent forward, and your hands are together in front of your abdomen. Your elbows will be slightly bent at this point. You should pause at the top of the range of motion for a count of two, and give your pectoral muscles a concerted clenching. Slowly and smoothly raise your hands back to the original outstretched starting position. Do not pause at the starting position with the weight pulling on your shoulder joints. This will take the strain of the exercise off of the pectorals, and will reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.
The movement has been described as the movement you make as you hug someone.
You should endeavor to keep your back rigid, and you must also smoothly and slowly move through the range of motion. If you cannot perform the exercise with the proper form, you should reduce the amount of weight. Good form and lesser weight will always garner better results than heavier weights lifted incorrectly.
Incorrect form can lead to injury
The double pulleys cable crossover exercise is very safe, and you are unlikely to injure your self while using this machine.
The greatest risk of injury comes from approaching this strenuous exercise without properly having warned up or stretched. If you approach the exercise with “cold” muscles, you are at a much greater risk for a muscle tear or strain. These can be very painful, and will certainly hamper your training efforts, and so should be avoided.
One good way to warm up is to perform a preliminary set of repetitions on the two pulleys machine with a very light weight. This will prime your muscles for the strenuous lifting to come.
If you feel any pain in the shoulder joint as you perform the exercise, you should adjust your positioning, and try again. If you cannot perform this exercise without shoulder pain, then you should find an alternate way to work the pectoral muscles. You should never try to work through joint pain.
Variable techniques for the double pulleys machine
The double pulleys machine does offer the possibility of some variant exercises. You can alter the range of motion to alter the strain onto different areas of the pectoral muscle, and you can also perform underhanded cable crossovers from pulleys at the base of the platform.
You can alter the results achieved by varying both amount of weight to be used, and the number of repetitions performed. If your goal is to build muscle mass and strength, then you should be performing fewer repetitions with a greater total weight, and if your goal is to shape and tone, then you should be performing a greater number of repetitions, with a reduced quantity of weight.
Whichever strategy you employ, you should finish every set of repetitions close to muscle failure, and you should perform three sets or repetitions per training session.
Why you should consider the double pulleys machine
The double pulleys machine is an excellent platform for a total range of motion exercise that will develop and strengthen the pectoral muscles, as well as a host of secondary muscles.
The development of a powerful chest is of paramount importance for many weight trainers, and as such no comprehensive gym can afford to be without a double pulleys machine.
The machine is user friendly and a novice user can quickly master the correct technique; but the machine offers an impressive total available weight, and will remain challenging and rewarding for the most seasoned and powerful trainer at any gym.
The machine is constructed from heavy gauge steel and quality mechanisms, and is designed for many years of usage in a professional gym environment.