Strength Machines You Should Start Using ASAP

Newbies and gym rats alike can accelerate their fitness results with these gym-floor musts.

Arguably the most versatile piece of machinery in the gym, a cable machine allows you to attack virtually every muscle in your body through a range of both total-body and isolation exercises, says Maryland-based certified strength nad conditioning specialist Erica Suter.  With them, you can perform countless exercises from a variety of heights and positions including standing, sitting, kneeling or even lying down.  Plus, even though it’s a machine, it trains your muscles more similarly to free weights.

Hamstring Curl

The average American has weak hamstrings, but this easy-to-use machine can strengthen them up big time.  And even if you routinely work your hamstrings with hip-focused movements like single-leg deadlifts, you still need the hamstring curl machine, Tuminello says.  that’s because electromyography studies show that the machine works a different region of your hamstrings.  “If you want comprehensive training, you want at least one exercise in your arsenal in which movement originates from the knee joint and follows a full range of motion,” he says.

High Row

“You can never do too many pulling exercises,” Suter says.  They help strengthen the back, open up the chest, improve posture and correct muscular imbalances that stem from sitting at the computer all day, shesays.  the high-row machine scores high points as a pulling exercise because it follows a functional movement pattern that’s ideal for the elderly and athletes alike.

Landmine

Don’t let the size scare you.  landmines are actually great for beginners because they allow you to perform large, compound exercies with an easily customizable amount of weight.  A barbell that’s simply attached to the floor and one end, landmines train  your whole body with anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds (the weight of the bar) to hundreds of pounds, Suter says.  Just add weight plates to crank up the resistance.  plus, since the landmine works your body at an angle, it increases the core benefits of essentially every exercise you would typically perform with dumbbells, resistance bands or other equiment.

Assisted Chin/Dip

“This machine is excellant,” Suter says. “It’s a great way to work toward performing a chin-up or pull-up.”  And, even if you can already eek out a pull-up or two all by yourself, the machine allows you to get in muscle sets and reps for increased strength and muscle gains throughout your back, core, biceps and shoulders.

To read the full report and learn how to best use the machines described above contact one of our personal trainer or click here: 5 Strength Machines you should start using ASAP

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