Yes, a cable machine is great at targeting specific muscles, allowing you to enhance your workouts and work in those isolation movements. Some examples of targeted, isolation exercises that can be done with a cable machine are tricep pushdowns and bicep curls.

Yes, you can absolutely build muscle with cable machines, as they allow you to gain a wide range of motion with continuous tension, enhancing your ability to isolate specific muscles.

Neither cable machines nor free weights are “better” than the other. The best choice for you depends on your fitness goals. For example, free weights are ideal for building overall strength and engaging your stabiliser muscles whilst cable machines are effective at targeting specific muscles with constant tension.

Some cable machines feel heavier than others because their pulley systems alter the actual resistance. A system with a 1:1 ratio means you lift the full stack weight, while setups like 2:1 make it feel lighter by giving mechanical advantage. Other factors such as pulley friction, machine design, and movement range, can also affect how heavy the weight feels.