💪 10 Best Cable Exercises for Maximum Growth

The Ripped Report is back to give you the boost you need to get through the mid-week doldrums. Think of us like digital pre-workout. (Just not watermelon-flavored, please.)

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• The best cable exercises for bodybuilding.

• Dexter Jackson’s chest workout at 54 years old.

• A full recap of the 2023 New York Pro.

EXERCISE TIPS

Cable Plan

A good bodybuilder uses every tool at their disposal to build muscle: Barbells for maximal loading, dumbbells to identify and attack muscular imbalances, and, especially, cables. The cable tree is, in many ways, your best friend in the weight room.

By freeing yourself from the constraints of gravity, you open up a wide array of new exercises and techniques for building muscle. Think of the cable lateral raise, which applies tension to your shoulder from top to bottom. Or perhaps the tried-and-true chest flye — few exercises help you squeeze your pecs better.

You can train basically every muscle in your body with cables, sure, but for maximal muscle growth, context and application reign supreme. Some cable exercises are simply better for bodybuilding than others, and these 10 movements stand above the rest.

NEWS

“The Blade” Endures

First, let’s start with some bad news: No, bodybuilding legend Dexter Jackson won’t be making a formal comeback at the 2023 Masters Olympia this August. The good news, however, is that the 2008 Mr. Olympia champion is still active on social media and regularly shows the world how he stays fit in retirement.

Recently, Jackson shared a video on his YouTube channel where he walked through an efficient but effective chest workout. And while there are plenty of pragmatic tips to take away from Jackson’s gym routine, the main takeaway might just be how motivational the 54-year-old is throughout.

SHOW RESULTS

Tri-State Showdown

Everyone knows that the Olympia and Arnold Classic are the two biggest bodybuilding shows of the year, but don’t sleep on the annual New York Pro. Throughout the years, competitors like Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Big Ramy, and Nick Walker have all come out on top at this premier event, helping secure their legacies in the sport.

The 2023 New York Pro went down this past weekend in Teaneck, NJ, with nine divisions at stake. The event was highlighted by Tonio Burton bringing home the W in the Men’s Open division, but there was far more to it than just one competition. For the full results — and the impact they’ll have on this year’s Olympia — check out our exhaustive recap below.

THE DROPSET

Arnold’s Near-Hulk Experience

• Arnold Schwarzenegger is synonymous with roles like Conan the Barbarian and the Terminator — but did you know he could have also played the Hulk? If only he were just a little taller…

• You’re a BarBend reader, so, of course, you want to squat more weight. And mastering the 90/90 stretch might help you move a few extra lbs.

• If dips aren’t a part of your gym routine, they should be. And if they are a part of it, please make sure you’re doing them right.