There were basic, simple machines that enabled you to train back and triceps but none that let you also target the pectorals. Cable pulley crossovers make an ideal complement to most basic chest exercises. They hit two of the three movements necessary for the pectorals: shoulder flexion and chest adduction.
HOW TO DO THE EXERCISE
Position yourself in the centre of a pulley machine apparatus and hold each pulley handle at shoulder height with your arms almost fully extended (don’t lock the elbows). Bend slightly forward from the waist and pull the handles across and in front of the body until your hands rub against your chest or midsection, then breath out. Return to the starting position slowly, keeping your arms and elbows in the same position. When performed slowly and deliberately, you can get an extraordinary pump from this exercise. It’s also worth holding the midpoint, which is similar to the popular ‘most muscular’ pose and squeezing. This move is a great addition to a chest workout that also includes basic exercises, such as bench press and incline press, using barbells or dumbbells. Depending on the position of the arms, it can hit the upper, lower or middle part of the chest. It is a great exercise for utilising time under tension, which is such a key factor for developing muscles.
