How to Avoid Cable Rub

Tonal uses cables to deliver 200lbs of digital weight (100 lbs on each arm). While you can expect some contact with the cables, the amount varies, depending on which movements you choose. Unlike traditional cable machines or workout equipment, you can take advantage of Tonal’s advanced features: Form Feedback and Dynamic Weight Modes reduce cable rub while optimizing your workouts, so you can get stronger, faster.

Here’s Coach Kelly to demonstrate how to avoid unnecessary contact with the cables:

Check Your Form
Cable rub can signal improper or fatiguing form. Check your form if you notice cable rub towards the end of your sets or workouts. Form Feedback alerts you if you’re not in the most optimal position, so pay attention to the on-screen messages when you receive Form Feedback during your workout.

You can also reduce the weight to reduce cable rub. Lower the weight manually or take advantage of our Dynamic Weight Modes. Tonal’s Spotter and Burnout modes determine the best weight for every rep to help you move confidently and clear of the cables.

Adjust Your Position
Be aware of your body and reposition to stay out of the direct line of the cables. For example, slide down the bench when you’re bench pressing or sit further away from the Tonal when you’re doing bicep curls.

Adjust the Tonal Arms
Your Tonal can accommodate a wide range of arm positions (page 16 and 17 in the Tonal Guide), and you can adjust the arm position to reduce cable rub. For movements that use both arms - like the cable overhead press - try moving the arms one angle up and one angle in.

Use the on-screen arm position indicators to keep track of the optimal positions for each of your movements. Start by moving the arms to the recommended position, indicated by blinking green dots. From there, you can adjust the arms to your preferred position.

If you have any other questions, please give us a call at 855-MY-TONAL.