Best Functional Trainer Attachments for Smarter, Stronger Training

A functional trainer is only as good as the attachments you run on it. The frame and stacks matter, sure—but the real versatility comes from what you clip into the carabiners. Choosing the right functional trainer attachments is key. This means everything from smarter loading, better joint positions, and cleaner movement patterns. After all, you don’t want to just be doing cable curls! 

This blog is a breakdown of the most useful attachments, how to use them properly, and why they actually deserve space in your gym. 

1. Straight Bars 

A straight bar is non-negotiable. It’s your go-to for lat pulldowns, low rows, triceps pushdowns, and even curls when you want symmetry and load.

The key with this is rigidity. Cheap bars flex, spin, or feel vague under load. A solid option like the MAXUM Dual Hook Straight Bar gives you even pull, predictable hand spacing, and zero nonsense when you start pushing heavier weights. 

Use it for:

• Lat pulldowns (neutral torso, pull to upper chest)
• Low rows (pause at contraction)
• Triceps pushdowns (elbows pinned, full lockout)

If your cable work doesn’t feel “connected,” the bar is usually the problem, and not the machine or your functional trainer attachments.  

2. Safety Spotter Arms

Spotter arms aren’t technically cable attachments—but if your functional trainer is part of a rack system, they’re invaluable for how you train.

The Maxum Fitness Safety Spotter Arms let you train inside the rack with confidence, especially when pairing free weights with cable work. Think Smith squats into cable lunges, or heavy presses, followed by isolation without moving stations.

Use them for:

• Smith or barbell work between cable sets
• Safe solo training under fatigue
• Supersets that don’t require re-racking paranoia 

3. Leg Extension / Curl Attachments

Cables aren’t just an upper-body tool. With the right functional trainer attachments, you can train quads and hamstrings properly with no full-size leg machine required.

The Maxum AB5 Leg Extension & Curl Attachment is designed to work with functional trainers and benches, providing controlled tension and joint-friendly loading throughout the range of motion.

Use it for:

• Leg extensions (controlled tempo)
• Seated or prone leg curls
• Finisher work after compounds

4. Handles and Angles

Single handles, ropes, and specialty grips all have their place—but the rule is simply:
If it improves alignment, stability, or range of motion, it’s worth using. If it just looks cool on TikTok, then probably not. 

Good attachments let you:

• Match grip width to joint structure
• Keep tension where it belongs
• Adjust angles without awkward body contortions 

Accessories That Can Actually Handle Training

Quality matters more with accessories than most people admit, which is why we at MAXUM build functional trainer attachments that are designed for real training loads. 

From straight bars to safety spotter arms and leg attachments, each piece is built to refine how you move, load, and progress. Plus, with our free shipping on most orders over $500, upgrading your home setup is simple and practical. 

If you want attachments that make your cable work cleaner, stronger, and more repeatable, start with these tools known to get the job done!