Beyond just adding weight: How do you progressive overload with cables and machines?

A4tech 1 month ago Hypertrophy & Aesthetics
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A4tech
A4tech Registered User
204 posts
Jun 09, 2026 21:52

Hey lads and lasses,

I've been hitting the gym for a while now, focusing on hypertrophy, and I've got the whole 'add weight to the bar' thing down for compound lifts. But I'm starting to struggle with how to consistently apply progressive overload to my isolation exercises, especially when I'm using cables and machines.

It feels like once I max out the stack or the weight plates on a machine, or I'm doing cable work where small increments aren't always available, I'm kinda stuck. I try to increase reps or sets, but sometimes that just feels like junk volume rather than real progression.

Are there any specific strategies or advanced techniques you guys use to keep pushing past plateaus on these movements? Thinking things like drop sets or longer time under tension, but I'm keen to hear what's actually worked for you. What's your go-to method for keeping the gains coming on seated rows, cable flies, or leg extensions?

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