How to Use a Long Accessory Strap on a Cable Machine

Here’s a cable machine attachment you probably haven’t used before: a long accessory strap.  

Regular accessory straps are a common sight in gyms. They attach to a carabiner on a cable, with two leather or fabric handles – sort of like a Tricep Rope, but with loops for your hands.  

Now imagine that extra long.  

A long accessory strap for a cable machine can significantly expand your exercise options by increasing the range of motion and enabling unique movement patterns. It can accommodate exercises that require extended reach or leverage.  

Since it’s a less common handle (the REP® USA long leather accessory strap is one of the only leather functional trainer accessory straps of this length available on the market), here are some ways to use it:  

Upper Body Exercises 

Wide Face Pulls - Target your rear deltoids, traps, and upper back with a wide grip. 

Straight Arm Lat Pulldowns - Engage your lats and core with an extended range of motion. 

Overhead Tricep Presses - Strengthen your triceps by pressing overhead. 

Chest Flies (Wide Range) - Work your chest muscles with a deep, controlled motion. 

Bilateral Rotator Cuff Pulls - Enhance shoulder stability with targeted rotator cuff movements. 

Lower Body Exercises 

Cable Pull-Throughs - Activate your glutes and hamstrings for posterior chain strength. 

Cable Step-Back Lunges - Increase stability and range of motion for a functional lunge. 

Standing Cable Leg Curls - Isolate your hamstrings with this controlled movement. 

Core Exercises 

Standing Ys - Work your shoulders and core with a diagonal pulling motion. 

Cable Woodchoppers - Target your obliques with rotational movements. 

Cable Pallof Presses - Strengthen your core and improve anti-rotational stability. 

Functional and Dynamic Movements 

Functional Training - Mimic sport-specific movements with greater range and flexibility. 

Cable Swings - Simulate kettlebell swings for dynamic strength training. 

Single-Arm Pulls - Develop unilateral strength and stability. 

Overhead Pullovers - Enhance flexibility and upper body strength. 

Benefits of Using a Long Accessory Strap 

• Improved Range of Motion: Allows for exercises that wouldn’t be possible with shorter attachments.
• Versatility: Works for both upper and lower body training, making it an all-in-one solution.
• Easy to Use: Easy to attach to most cable machines with carabiners or hooks.
• Injury Prevention: Distributes force evenly to reduce strain on joints and muscles.  

The long strap's versatility makes it ideal for athletes, bodybuilders, or anyone seeking variety in their workouts. It accommodates both unilateral and bilateral movements, making it a valuable addition to your gym routine.