What are cable ratio? / How much weight am I actually pulling on your cable machines?Updated 10 months ago

Cable ratios on gym equipment define the relationship between the weight selected on the stack and the actual resistance experienced by the user. These ratios are expressed numerically, such as 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, indicating how the resistance compares to the selected weight. They also affect the length of the cable, making certain ratios more suitable for specific exercises.

1:1 Cable Ratio: In a 1:1 ratio system, the resistance matches the selected weight. If the weight stack is set to 30 kilograms, the user experiences 30 kilograms of resistance directly. The cable length in this system is equal to the height the weight stack is lifted, making it ideal for isolated movements like lat pulldowns but less suitable for larger rotating movements.

Examples: SS3 Single Station and GS7 Multi-station

2:1 Cable Ratio: In a 2:1 ratio system, for every 2 kilograms selected on the weight stack, the user experiences 1 kilogram of resistance. If the weight stack is set to 40 kilograms, the actual resistance felt is 20 kilograms. The cable length is double the height the weight stack is lifted, providing extra cable length for bigger movements.

Examples: SM-20/SM-25/SM-26 Smith and cable machines and FT-10

3:1 Cable Ratio: A 3:1 ratio means that for every 3 kilograms selected on the weight stack, the user experiences 1 kilogram of resistance. If the weight stack is set to 30 kilograms, the actual resistance is 10 kilograms. The cable length is triple the height the weight stack is lifted, offering more cable length for extensive movements.

4:1 Cable Ratio: In a 4:1 ratio system, for every 4 kilograms selected on the weight stack, the user experiences 1 kilogram of resistance. If the weight stack is set to 40 kilograms, the actual resistance felt is 10 kilograms. The cable length is four times the height the weight stack is lifted, providing significant cable length.

In 3:1 and 4:1 ratio systems, the weight stack moves less and slower, allowing the cable to be pulled faster than in 1:1 or 2:1 ratios. This makes them better suited for faster and larger movements.

Understanding cable ratios is crucial for tailoring workouts to individual strength levels and ensuring consistency when transitioning between different gym machines.