The 10 Best Home Gym Pulley Systems

 

Looking for the best home gym pulley system that you can place on a rack or over a door using a doorway pullup bar? Look no further!

We have tried the best out there and have created this guide to help you pick one out that can handle a decent amount of weight without taking a huge amount of money out of your pocket book.

Please note that the home gym cable pulley systems do not come with weight plates. You need to use your own weights. If you don't already have , our list of best budget bumper plates and best competition bumper plates should help you.

Quick Navigation

• Our Picks: The Best Home Pulley Systems (below)
• Buying Guide and Frequently Asked Questions

Our Top Picks

• 👑 The Premium Pick: Rogue Fitness Spud Inc Pulley Systems
• ⭐️ Best on Amazon: Pellor Cable Pulley System
• 🥈 A Solid Option: Home Pulley System by Bells of Steel
• 🏋️ Another Solid Amazon Option: SYL Fitness LAT Cable Pulley System
• ⭐️ A Solid Option: Pellor Cable Pulley System with Pull Down Cable and Handle
• 🏪 Best at Walmart: Fitness DIY Pulley Cable Machine Attachment System by Lixada
• ⭐️ Solid Choice: ARCHON Fitness Single Pulley Cable Station
• ⭐️ Best for Beasts: Elevtab Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System
• 🏋️ For Titan T3 Rack Owners: T-3 SERIES TRICEP AND LAT PULLEY SYSTEM
• 🏋️ The Valor Pick: Valor Fitness PY-1 | Portable Cable Station

👑 Premium Pick: Rogue Fitness Spud Inc Pulley Systems

If you are willing to spend generously to buy the best home gym cable pulley system that can handle a good amount of weight and bear rough use, Rogue Fitness is one brand that you can never go wrong with. This cable pulley is designed for powerlifting and has a long heavy-duty weight holder pin that can easily hold more up to 10 45lbs plates! 

Features of Rogue Fitness cable pulley system for home gyms:

• This pulley system set includes 75” cable, 18” loading strap pin, tricep strap, a pulley, and spring clips. 
• The manufacturer states that it can be used to lift up to 550 lbs weight. 
• Rogue Fitness pulley system comes with a tricep strap and yet you can attach any type of handle you want including EZ bar, tricep bar, wide lat bar, tricep rope, etc. 
• You can buy the tricep and lat pull home pulley system or you can buy a kit that includes both lat pulley system and the low pulley system. So, if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the expensive cable crossover stations, we highly recommend this Rogue Fitness cable pulley system for home gyms. 

Please note that the low pulley cable system works only when you combine it with the tricep and lat system. It cannot work as a standalone piece. 

What we like about it:

• Many buyers have confirmed that this home pulley system by Rogue Fitness is pretty durable and can hold a lot of weight. Maybe not 550lbs but still a good amount of weight that you won't outgrow it soon. 
• The strap is pretty good and comfortable to use. You may not have to buy any additional handle for enhancing your comfort. 

Things that can be improved: 

• Some buyers have stated that the pulley makes squeaky noise occasionally. 
• The cable is long and there is no way you can adjust its length. One buyer, however, has suggested that you can buy a 12 inch pin from Spud website. The original weight holder pin is 18”.   
• The weights swing when you use it for faster reps. So, be careful. 

Our Rating:

We are giving this a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

Our Verdict: 

Squeakiness is something that we wouldn’t eant in our home gym equipment. They can disturb other members of the family. But, if you workout at a dedicated area such as in your garage, this home gym pulley system is actually a very reliable product for heavy-duty lifting.

🏅Best on Amazon: PELLOR Forearm Wrist Arm Strength Training Rope Cable Pulley System

This home gym cable pulley system can be set up anywhere in your home. All you need is a hook or a bar to hang it, which includes your pull up bar, ceiling hook, door hook, and your squat rack or power cage. It is a no-fuss home gym equipment for beginners and experienced lifters. You can use it for upper body exercises only. 

Features of the Pellor home gym cable pulley system:

• The set contains a nylon rope, a pulley, a carabiner, a strap, and a barbell rack. 
• The Pellor pulley system for home gy, has a weight-bearing capacity of 40 lbs. 
• The rope is made of braided nylon and has excellent durability. 
• The strap has plugs at the end to prevent your hands from slipping.

What we like about it

• Have kids at home? Don’t worry, this cable pulley system won’t disturb them. Many buyers have stated that the Pellor rope cable pulley system provides a smooth and silent operation. 
• Since it doesn’t make noise, you can install it in your living room and watch TV without getting disturbed. 
• All you need to set it up is a hook or a bar. You don't need any tools and you don't have to worry about the assembly. Just connect the parts in the correct order and the pulley system will be ready to be used within minutes.

Things that can be improved

• Some buyers have stated that the weight halter i.e. pin that holds the weights is thin. They doubt if it would be able to hold 40lbs. However, no buyer has mentioned durability issues. 
• The cord for holding the pulley system is a bit long and there is no way you can adjust it. You may try to knot it down though. 

Our Rating:

We are giving this a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

Our Verdict: 

Given that it can hold just 40lbs, the Pellor pulley system for home gyms is a bit overpriced. Yet, it is a good choice for people who have kids, as it won’t disturb them. For more information, read our detailed review of PELLOR Forearm Wrist Arm Strength Training Rope Cable Pulley System. 

🥈A Solid Option: Home Pulley System by Bells of Steel 

Bells of Steel is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality, light-commercial and commercial-grade equipment. This home gym cable pulley system is no exception. It is meant for powerlifting and can be easily attached to power cages or pull up bars. However, if you are going to lift heavy weight, please use a power rack or cage, as pull up bars aren’t that reliable. 

Features of Bells of Steel pulley system for home gyms:

• The set includes a cable pulley, a weight plate holding strap, a tricep strap, few carabiners, some tools that you may need for putting it together. 
• You can use two pulleys to create a low pulley or a seated row, which is why it is counted among the best home gym pulley system for people who need a full-body workout.
• The manufacturer claims that it can be used for lifting up to 440lbs of weight. This sounds crazily high provided that this cable pulley system costs around $50. However, after thoroughly reviewing the buyers’ feedback, we too agree that it can bear a significant amount of weight.

What we like about it:

• Did you know Bells of Steel cable pulley system is one of the cheapest products. It is currently available at just $50 and, when you order it through their website, you get free shipping! Plus, you can get a 5% discount if you are into the military, police, and fire department. 
• Bells of Steel is offering 100% money back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days. 
• Many buyers have stated that the customer service team is quite prompt and cooperative. 

Things that can be improved: 

• A few buyers have stated that the handles that come with this pulley system are sturdy but they are not too comfortable, especially if you are lifting heavy weights. 
• The weights swing a bit when you do rigorous workouts. You need to be careful not to hurt yourself. 
• Some buyers found the cable to be excessively long. Basically, this cable pulley system is designed to be used on a power rack or power cage, which are typically 8’ high. If you hang it at a lower height, it will be a bit longer. Bells of Steel has offered a solution in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX-iuOJJQIA&feature=youtu.be 

Our Rating:

We are giving this a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0.

Our Verdict: 

The manufacturer recommends that you must anchor it to power racks or standalone pull up bars. That way, you won’t find the cable long and uncomfortable. If you don’t have a pullup bar, here is a list of 13 best doorway pullup bars that do not require any screws. Further, if you are lifting heavy weight, you must consider investing in a good quality well-padded handle.

🏋️ Another Solid Amazon Option : SYL Fitness LAT Cable Pulley System

If you need something more durable and heavy-duty than the Pellor cable pulley system, go for the SYL one. It is cheaper than Pellor and yet has a much higher weight-bearing capacity. PLEASE NOTE THAT IT DOESN’T COME WITH TRICEP ROPE. The good thing is that you can add any cable attachment to it including tricep rope, lat bar, single or double D handle, etc. 

Features of SYL home gym pulley system:

• The set includes a hanging strap, a pulley, a cable, a loading pin, and a few hooks. 
• Suspended weight-bearing capacity is 340lbs, so even experienced lifters and bodybuilders can use it. 
• The length of the cable of the SYL cable pulley system can be adjusted, making it suitable for everyone in your family. Almost everyone can exercise comfortably irrespective of their height. 
• The cable is made of wire rope with protective nylon covering. 

What we like about it:

• 340lbs weight capacity is quite impressive. Even athletes and people who are into competitive sports can use it. 
• A few buyers have stated that SYL has a responsive customer support team. They not just respond promptly but also resolve your issues. 
• It provides a smooth and quiet operation, which is why it is counted among the best home gym pulley systems. 
• The pulley has a 360-degree swivel, so you can exercise from any angle you want. 

Things that could be improved: 

• Some buyers have stated that the cable could have been made a little longer. 
• A few buyers have stated that the protective coating of the cable starts chipping after a few uses. Once the coating gets damaged, the risk of snapping are high. 
• The loaded cable could swing, so be careful while using this pulley system. 
• It doesn’t come with any assembly instruction but putting it together pnly requires some common sense. However, the manufacturer could have included a pictograph for help. 

Our Verdict: 

The SYL Fitness cable pulley system is an almost perfect piece of home gym equipment. Some durability issues are there but it is still a good bet for the price.  

We are giving this a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0.

⭐️ A Solid Option : Pellor Cable Pulley System with Pull Down Cable and Handle

The only difference between this Pellor cable pulley system with handles and the one mentioned above is that it comes with a steel handle and a pair of flying handles. These two attachments help target many different muscle groups of your arms and shoulders. 

Features:

• The set contains a pulley, a cable, a pair of flying handles, solid steel handle, a weight plate, and some carabiners. 
• The weight plate has a loading capacity of up to 40lbs. 
• The handle is made of solid steel and has a slip-resistant EVA foam covering.
• You can attach this home gym pulley system anywhere including your squat rack or your half rack. You can even attach it to your pull up bar, door bar, beam, ceiling hook, etc.  

What we like about it:

• The handles are well-built and durable. Many buyers have confirmed that they are truly slip-resistant. 
• Just like the above Pellor pulley system, this one too provides a quiet operation. 
• The two different attachments that you get with the Pellor home gym pulley system help you target different muscle groups in many different ways.
• Some buyers have stated that this home pulley system is pretty stable. It doesn’t sway. The SYL cable pulley system listed above has this problem. 

Things that could be improved: 

• It is good for casual lifting but not suitable for heavy powerlifting as 40lbs is not enough for it. 
• The pin that holds the weight doesn’t look very durable. It is thin and doesn’t fit the weight plates snuggly.

Our Verdict: 

Like the above-listed pellor home pulley system, this one too is pricey but the padded steel handle and pull down handles still make it count among the best home gym pulley systems. If you are interested, make sure you compare the prices from Amazon as well as Pellor’s own website to get a good deal. 

We are giving this a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0.

🏪 Best at Walmart : Fitness DIY Pulley Cable Machine Attachment System by Lixada

If you are looking for an inexpensive yet functionally good home pulley system, this should be your best bet. It costs less than $40, which is much less than the above-mentioned ones. There are two varieties available. The cheaper model A has a standard pulley whereas the model B costs a bit and comes with a 360-degree rotation pulley that prevents the cable from twisting. 

Features of Lixada home pulley system: 

• The set includes a tricep strap, a pulley, a loading pin, 2 meter long cable, a hanging strap, and three carabiners. 
• As mentioned above, you can buy either a standard pulley or a 360-degree rotation pulley. The rotation pulley costs about $10 more dollars but it helps you exercise from different angles and prevent the rope from twisting. 
• The tricep rope has stoppers to prevent your hands from slipping. 
• The manufacturer claims that it has a heavy load capacity but hasn’t mentioned any specific weight. 

What we like about it: 

• The rotation pulley set by Lixada is ridiculously inexpensive. The SYL cable pulley system too has a rotation pulley and it costs almost double. 
• You can set it up anywhere. Some buyers have used it along with their pullup or chin up bar whereas some have used door or ceiling hooks. 
• Almost all buyers have confirmed that the pulley provides a smooth and quiet operation, making it suitable for homes with kids. 

Things that can be improved: 

• The weight-bearing capacity is not mentioned in product description. It is a Chinese product and we couldn’t even find it on the manufacturer’s website. One buyer stated that it broke with just 25lbs loaded on the plate whereas some buyers have tried up to 50lbs. The manufacturer should list a specific weight capacity so users don’t overload it and risk themselves. 
• Since the product is shipped from China, it takes weeks to get delivered. 

Our verdict: 

Since the weight-limit is not mentioned, we can’t be sure of its long-term durability. Yet, we chose it to be a part of our list of the best home gym pulley systems because beginners and people who are undergoing therapy can safely use it. It is inexpensive making it suitable for short-term use. 

We are giving this a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

⭐️ Solid Choice : ARCHON Fitness Single Pulley Cable Station

If you need something more durable, sturdy, and versatile than the above-mentioned pulley systems for home, Archon cable pulley system is a smart option to consider. You can use two single pulleys to create a double pulley setup for lat pulls. You can even use four of them to create a low pulley system.

Features of Archon pulley system for home gyms: 

• The set includes a ready to use pulley with cable attached within it, a weight plate holder, and a heavy-duty strap with connected handles. 
• You can choose from two different sets; one comes with 70’ cable and the other one comes with 55” cable. Both the sets are the same, except the cable length. 
• It has a suspended weight-bearing capacity of 400lbs. 

What we like about it:

• 400 lbs weight capacity is unbelievably good in this price range. Not many buyers have actually tried adding so much weight but some of them did try adding about 150lbs and the set has done fairly well. 
• The cable is sheathed to enhance its durability. 
• All the hardware such as the carabiners and the metal plate holder are made of good quality steel, unlike other competitive products that use thinner low-grade steel. So you can trust this home pulley system to hold heavy weights. No wonder why it has made it to our list of best home gym pulley systems.
• The set comes fully assembled. The cable is already put into the pulley and the strap to hold the pulley is also added to it. All you need to do is to wrap it around the mounting point. 

Things that can be improved: 

• The handles that come with this Archon fitness home cable pulley system are not that great. They are just straps, not even ropes. If you are using light weights, you may not mind it but for lifting heavy weights, you should buy additional well-padded handles. 
• Some buyers have stated that the rope comes out of its groove when it is kept loosely. Putting it back isn’t that difficult but it does cause some inconvenience and irritation. 

Our Verdict: 

The quality of this home gym pulley system is definitely better than the ones listed above and the price is genuine too. But, make sure you choose the right cable length and be ready to buy additional handles. You may also want to buy weight pins. The strap works but it doesn’t hold the plates snugly, so they aren’t held centered. 

We are giving this a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0.

⭐️ Best for Beasts : Elevtab Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System

No matter what the manufacturer claims, this is a very basic product meant for short-term use, especially if you are undergoing therapy or if you are not fond of lifting heavy weights. Elevtab home pulley system is quite inexpensive and comes with two different workout handles.

Features of Elevtab home gym pulley system: 

• It consists of a nylon rope, a pulley, a loading pin, some carabiners, a hanging strap, and two handles. One is a straight handle and the other one is a strap. 
• The nylon cable measures 90”. 
• The manufacturer states that it can bear up to 300lbs of weight (which we doubt). 

What we like about it:

• Its affordability is the biggest factor why we have chosen this home gym cable pulley system for upper body workouts. You are getting the whole set with two different workout handles in less than $50. 
• Most buyers have confirmed that the pulley is smooth and silent, which makes it suitable for home gyms. 
• The two different handles help you perform different exercises. 

Things that can be improved: 

• Although the manufacturer of the Elevtab home gym cable pulley system says it comes with a cable, it is actually a rope. Some buyers have even compared it with a clothesline rope or jump rope. 
• Many buyers have stated that the loading pin is not 1” but ¾” in diameter. They even said that the quality of the carabiners is very much similar to that of mini keychain. 
• As mentioned, the quality and sturdiness of this pulley system are not too good to bear the claimed 300lbs weight. 
• Another thing that you must note is that the delivery time is a little longer, as it is shipped from China.

Our Verdict: 

You must be wondering why we have selected such a low-quality product to be a part of our list of best home gym pulley systems. Well, because it is meant for beginners and casual lifters. For them, this Elevtab Fitness home cable pulley system can last for a good number of uses, until they are ready to upgrade. 

We are giving this a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

🏋️ For Titan T3 Rack Owners : T-3 Series Tricep and LAT pulley system

As you can guess from its name, it is meant to be exclusively used with the T-3 range of power racks by Titan Fitness. However, some buyers have used it on power cages of other brands and makes and it does work properly with them too.

However, please note that the Titan Fitness cable pulley system for home gyms it is exclusively meant to be used with power cages; not with pullup bars, ceiling hooks, etc. DO NOT BUY IT IF YOU DON’T OWN A POWER CAGE. 

Features of Titan Fitness LAT cable pulley system:

• The set includes two rack-mounted pulleys, a cable, and two carabiners. 
• The cable measures 118”.
• This home cable pulley system is exclusively meant to be used with T-3 racks and not independently. 
• It has a weight-bearing capacity of 440lbs. 

What we like about it:

• It comes with all the necessary hardware for assembly. 
• It is a heavy-duty product meant for serious fitness trainers. Everything included with this Titan fitness tricep and lat pulley system for T-3 racks is well-built and durable. No compromises have been made in terms of quality and thats why it is one of the best home gym pulley systems.
• It is definitely an affordable alternative to the expensive cable crossover machines, Lat machines, and functional trainers. 

Things that can be improved: 

• The price is misleading. This Titan Fitness home cable pulley system for T3 racks costs about $55 but it doesn’t include the loading pin and the cable attachments such as a handle. You have to buy them separately. The manufacturer has mentioned it clearly in the product description. So basically, it is not that inexpensive. 
• The pulley is made of dense plastic; not metal. Although none of the buyers have expressed their dissatisfaction over it, using metal for the pulley would have helped justify the price. 
• Doesn’t come with clear instructions for installation. You may have to do some guesswork but it's not that difficult. 

Our Verdict: 

If you own a T-3 rack and want to upgrade it with a cable pulley system, this product will offer you a cheaper and yet effective solution. We don’t like it being made exclusively for T-3 racks. Although some buyers have stated that it can be installed in any power rack that has the same hole spacing as T-3 racks, you still can’t be sure if it will work. Nevertheless, T-3 rack users will be extremely satisfied to have it in their home gym.

We are giving this a rating of 4.6 out of 5.0.

🏋️ The Valor Pick : Valor Fitness PY-1 | Portable Cable Station

This is another economical yet durable cable pulley system for home use. Although the manufacturer claims it to have a weight-bearing capacity of 300lbs, the buyers are quite doubtful about it. The pulley gets unscrewed frequently and the cable can also break when used for lifting heavy weights. 

But, we still think it is one of the best home gym pulley systems because it can hold a respectable amount of weight for an average person. 

Features: 

• The set includes a heavy-duty steel pulley, a cable, a weight plate ring strap, and a pull-down strap. 
• The cable of the Valor Fitness home gym cable pulley system is sheathed to enhance its durability. 
• The manufacturer claims that it can hold up to 300lbs weight. 
• You can use almost all types of cable attachments such as tricep rope, triangle chest pull, straight pull handle, tricep V bar, etc. 
• You can install this cable pulley system anywhere including your power racks, pullup bar, ceiling hook, door hooks, etc. 

What we like about it:

• This is a highly economical home pulley system meant for casual workouts and that's what most of us need. 
• The pulley provides a smooth and silent operation. 
• Valor Fitness is a renowned brand with an amazing customer service team. In case you receive a faulty product or in case it breaks sooner than you expected, you can contact them.

Things that can be improved: 

• Irrespective of what the manufacturer has claimed, we strongly recommend you not to use the Valor Fitness PY1 cable pulley system for lifting heavy weights. Even though the cable is sheathed, it is not strong enough to bear heavy-duty use. 
• Some buyers have stated that the eyebolt of the pulley is not a very secure type. It can unscrew when used roughly. You need to tighten it regularly to avoid accidents. 
• The cable measures 75”, which can be shorter for some people. 

Our Verdict: 

This Valor Fitness home gym cable pulley system for cable exercises requires some maintenance and gentle use. It is meant for beginners and for casual exercising. Being economical, it is a good option for people who are looking for inexpensive ways to keep themselves fit during the pandemic. 

We are giving this a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

Pulley System For Home Gym: Buying Guide And Frequently Asked Questions

Home gym pulley systems are highly underrated

You are already reading this article so you probably know how beneficial Home gym cable pulley systems can be, especially for performing exercises like face pulls and external rotations that are hard to perform using free weights like dumbbells or barbells.

Pulley systems for home gyms used to be large and expensive

Yes, we are talking about functional trainers or cable crossover machines, which are also a type of cable pulley system. They are much better in terms of quality and versatility. Functional trainers come with low and high pulley systems and can be used to do a wide range of exercises targeting your upper body, core, and sometimes lower body muscles. 

There are two major problems associated with the purchase of these cable machines for home. Firstly, they are significantly more expensive than home gym pulley systems. Second thing is that they need a dedicated floor space. 

Whether you buy the standalone ones or the ones that can be added to squat racks, you will have to have a dedicated workout space. You can’t just uninstall them and store them in a drawer or cabinet when done, just the way you can do with the workout pulleys for home gyms. 

Probably a decade ago, not many manufacturers were making pulley systems for home gyms. They used to sell full-sized functional trainers i.e. cable machines. But, the demand for compact home workout equipment increased dramatically and, these days you have numerous options to choose from. 

The pulley systems may not be as good as full-fledged cable machines for building upper body muscles but they are still a good option for people who want to stay healthy and fit. They are much cheaper and can be stored almost anywhere when not needed. You can even carry them during travels.

Cable exercises can be fantastic rehab and prehab tools

Just like full-size cable machines, home gym cable pulley systems too allow you to perform your exercises from different positions and from different angles.

You can target those ‘often-neglected’ minor muscle groups that are otherwise left-out when using functional trainers and lat machines. 

Cable Pulley systems can be safer than free weights for some people

There is no way you can drop the weight on yourself. If you get exhausted during a rep, you can take your hands off the handles. The weights will fall on the floor or your training platform and might damage it depending on how much weight you have loaded. But, it will not sway and fall over your toes or chest.  

With barbell and dumbbell exercises you always have to be careful to not drop the weight on yourself or those around you.

Because of their safety of use, pulley systems for home gyms are suitable for beginners, intermediates, and those recovering from injuries or limited mobility. You can train safely without requiring professional help. Although inexpensive, they provide a smooth, non-jerky motion, which is specifically good if you are undergoing rehab. 

The latest cable pulley systems for home gyms are highly compact and do not require any floor space

As obvious from their name, they are basically a set of a pulley, a cable, and a weight holder. You can add almost anywhere you want; your power cage, a hook on your ceiling, a doorway pullup bar, monkey bar in your nearby park, etc.

Since cable pulley systems are inexpensive and do not occupy a lot of floor space, they are perfect for space-crunched homes and garage gyms.

Safety tips for using pulley system for home gym

Although home pulley systems are safe for use, you need to follow the same safety tips that you would follow when using a proper lat pulley system. Below, we have listed a few of them that you must not ignore: 

• Start with small loads. Even though you have bought the most expensive and well-rated cable pulley system for home gym, there are chances that it could break. Moreover, you are new to it, so go slow.  
• Never overload the weight pin. Also, do not trust the manufacturer’s weight recommendations. As we have read above, not all cable pulley systems marked safe for 400lbs are actually safe. Trust buyers’ feedback. 
• Control your movements. Working out rigorously can make the weights swing and hurt you. 
• Always place a yoga mat, a blanket, a carpet, etc. below the place where the weights will land when done. This is especially important if you are new to it. In case you lose your control and drop the weights suddenly, your floor will be saved from damage. If you are a dedicated fitness enthusiast, you can opt for dedicated home gym flooring options. 

As obvious, home gym pulley systems do not come with weight plates. You need to buy them separately. Most of them come with weight pins that can hold olympic plates with 2” hole spacing. If you don’t have them, you can check out our blog on the best budget bumper plates  for some of the best recommendations. 

What is a pulley system for home gyms?

It is basically an affordable alternative to the more expensive cable crossover machines/functional trainers and LAT pulldown machines. A typical pulley system consists of a pulley (as expected), a long cable that you need to pass through the pulley, a weight pin that you need to attach to one end of the cable, and some handles that you need to attach to the other end of the cable. 

Most pulley systems do not come with weights. You need to use your own weight plates; metal ones or bumper ones. You can hang them from anything and anywhere. Just make sure the anchor is solid enough to bear the weight. 

As mentioned above, home gym pulley systems are so versatile that you can use them to perform any exercises that you can do using a Lat machine or cable crossover machine. Watch the video below to learn more. 

Are Home Gym Pulley Systems Worth It?

Absolutely! 

They are probably one of the few workout equipment that provides a very high value for money and deserve to be a part of every home gym, especially the compact ones. They hardly cost anything compared to the more expensive LAT pulldown machines and cable crossover machines. And yet, they are versatile enough to let you target almost all major muscles of your upper body and core (and even lower body). In fact, they are as good as Total Home Gym, which costs more than $1000. 

How to make a home gym pulley system?

Here is one of the most reliable videos we could find for you. 

The process of making your own pulley system for home gyms is pretty simple and doable even if you don’t have much DIY experience. However, you may have to visit your local hardware store to source the supplies and you may not find all of them in one store. Plus, you will also need some tools and at least a couple of hours. 

Cable pulley systems are pretty inexpensive. You can buy a good quality one such as the Valor Fitness PY-1 | Portable Cable Station for about $55 whereas the affordable ones such as the ARCHON Fitness Single Pulley Cable Station costs less than $40. The SYL Fitness LAT Cable Pulley System costs less than $20. 

We don’t see any reason why we would recommend you to make a home gym pulley system instead of buying one. A trip to a hardware store will probably cost you much more than the actual price of the product.

How does 150 lbs on pulley system home gym compare to 150lbs free weight? 

If you have ever used a functional trainer or a cable machine, you must have felt that the weights on them feel much lighter than the actual weight you select. That's because the pulleys split the weight between them and reduce the resistance. Functional trainers, for example, provide a 2:1 resistance. This means that if you select/load 100lbs on it, you will get only 50lbs of resistance. 

The pulley systems for home gyms usually have a single pulley so there is no way the weight could be split. They provide you with 1:1 resistance i.e. you will feel the same weight that you load on them. 

However, training with 150lbs on a cable pulley system is much easier than lifting 150lbs dumbbells or barbells. 

There are two main reasons why you experience this difference. Firstly, the pulleys are designed to multiply the force of your physical efforts i.e. they make you do more with less effort. That's what they are supposed to do, so you can’t do much about it. 

The second reason why lifting 150lbs on a cable machine and pulley systems feels easier than free weights is that they provide you the benefit of momentum. And, that’s what you need to deal with. 

If you do your reps quickly, the momentum of your movements will make it easier for you to do more reps than you may have planned. But, that’s of no use because your muscles won’t get a chance to do the work they are supposed to do. Make sure you train slowly and steadily so the momentum of your previous rep passes away (or at least gets minimized) before you begin the next rep.

What exercises can you do with a cable pulley system?

You can do almost all isotonic exercises of the upper body and core. With some brainstorming, you can also target your leg muscles but cable pulley systems are majorly meant for upper body workouts. 

Face Pulls, standing cable row, LAT pulldown, cable squats, cable lunges, single arm chest press, and cable pull downs are some of the popular exercises that we recommend for beginners. Make sure you buy as many exercise handles as you can because you will need them for doing different exercises. 

Are cable pulley systems better than free weights?

It depends on what you want.  

If you want to do rehabilitation exercises or if you do not have enough strength to use free weights safely, cable pulley workouts are better. They do not need a lot of help from your stabilizing muscles but free weights do. Cable pulleys also help you target those muscles that often get ignored while using free weights or machines.  

So, if you have enough space and money for both the free weights and the cable pulley systems, you must have them both!

Wrap up 

Cable pulley systems for home gyms provide a wide range of training options and yet they are relatively affordable when compared with other heavy-duty full-fledged home gym equipment such as LAT pulldown machines and functional trainers. The home gym pulley systems that I have selected are great for both beginners and experienced persons as well as for those who are undergoing rehabilitation. 
I hope this list helps you. If you have any queries or suggestions, please leave a comment. Also, if you have time and interest, you may want to check out my other lists of best leg press machines, best battle ropes, and best ellipticals for home gyms.