Cable squats are safer than back squats, which is one of their biggest benefits. However, traditional squats are much more effective if you want to increase your strength, power output, or hypertrophy. Barbell back squats are better at targeting your lower body muscles while allowing you to lift much heavier.

Some might find that cable squats are more beneficial by increasing range of motion during the entire exercise compared to traditional barbell squats. In addition, with the cable machine, you’re recruiting more stabilizing muscle fibers (e.g. core; transverse abdominis) throughout the exercise.

The cable squat is an effective alternative to the barbell squat which will build sufficient muscle and strength in the legs. Now, it’s a compound movement so you’re working several muscles rather than isolating just one, and these muscles include quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and core.

Barbell and dumbbell squats can be dangerous for inexperienced gym goers, mainly because of the weights dropping and having to re-rack the weight. The cable squat offers a much more controlled movement and a safer way to fail.