Low-Cable Cross-Over Guide: Upper Chest Isolation

Master the low-cable cross-over with our expert guide. Learn the proper form to target your upper chest and improve pectoral definition safely.

How to Perform

  1. Position the stirrup handles at the lowest setting on both sides of a dual-cable machine.
  2. Stand in the center of the machine and grasp each handle with an underhand grip, palms facing forward.
  3. Step one foot forward to create a stable, staggered stance and keep a slight bend in your elbows.
  4. Pull the handles upward and inward toward the midline of your body until they meet at chest height.
  5. Squeeze your chest muscles at the top of the movement for one second.
  6. Lower the weights back to the starting position along the same arc in a slow, controlled manner.
  7. Keep your chest upright and avoid leaning backward as the weights descend.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum or swinging the torso to lift the weight
  • Allowing the elbows to lock out completely during the movement
  • Bringing the hands too far past the midline, which shifts tension to the joints
  • Pressing the handles forward instead of following a wide arcing path

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Chest

Stabilizers

  • Front Deltoids
  • Biceps Brachii
  • Serratus Anterior

Related Guides

Chest · Chest