Types of weight lifting machines?

[ad_1]

Weight lifting machines are a type of customizable training equipment that help users maintain proper posture and form while working a specific muscle group. There are dozens of different types of weight lifting machines for almost every part of the body. Using weight machines as part of an exercise plan can be a good way to improve muscle tone and fitness level.

Core weight lifting machines target the abdominal and pectoral muscles, as well as the back. On a chest press machine, the user lies on their back, grasping the handles that are slightly above and away from the body, and pushing up until the arms are almost straight across the body. While this machine can also be done with free weights, using a weight lifting machine ensures that the correct muscles are used and that the weight is evenly distributed across the chest.

To work the back, many people use weighted rowing machines, which mimic the motion of rowing. Some models are stationary, but others have a sliding seat that increases range of motion. Rowing machine handles are usually attached to a weight stack that can be adjusted to increase or decrease resistance. Sliding rowing machines have the advantage of also being used for cardiovascular training.

Arm-related weight lifting machines can target the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms. Some of these machines can be combined with chest or back exercises to provide a more complete movement. On a shoulder press machine, the user is seated with handles at shoulder height. Pushing up on the handles, the user attempts to straighten the arms overhead, then lowers the arms while resisting the weight.

Triceps and biceps presses may look almost identical at first glance, but they actually target different muscles. Both can have a padded seat under a triangular or angled cushion, but the location of the handles and the direction of movement set these machines apart. In a bicep press, the user starts with their arms extended and bends them in toward the body, grasping the handle. For a triceps press, the elbows are bent at the start and the arms are pushed down to a straight, extended position.

Leg weight lifting machines often have much higher weight stacks, since the legs are often the strongest part of the body. A slightly intimidating machine common in commercial gyms is for the gluteal muscles. This machine requires the user to lie on their stomach with their hips on top of a triangular pad, their arms gripping the handles and resting on a lower pad, and their calves pressing under a movable weight arm. The exercise is performed by pushing the calves up in an attempt to flex the legs towards the buttocks. Although it may sound silly, this is a great exercise for a muscle group that is difficult to isolate.

[ad_2]