Theleg press, on the other hand, allows you to lift heavier weights compared to squats and deadlifts.
Unfortunately, few gym machines live up to the hype.
Some are just plain useless, while others can increase your risk of injury.
Sometimes, it’s best to stick to free weights oruse your body weightto get things done.
Just think about how you feel after doing four or five sets of pushups or running five miles.
Hip abduction/adduction machine
The abductors and adductors work together to move your legs sideways.
They play both an aesthetic and functional role, contributing to the shape of your legs and glutes.
Many gym-goers use thehip abduction/adduction machineto isolate and strengthen these muscles.
But this piece of equipment is pretty much useless, says personal trainer Phil Sims.
The hip abduction/adduction machine can also cause injuries to the hip and IT band, warnsMen’s Journal.
A better option is to do single-leg squats, lateral squats, barbell lunges, or single-leg Romanian deadlifts.
These movements engage multiple muscles, including your abductors, adductors, quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
Plus, your core will work hard to keep you in balance.
Resistance bands can be a great choice, too.
To reap the benefits, wrap one end of the band around your ankle.
Return to the starting position and repeat.
Ab crunch machine
Tired ofcrunches and sit-ups?
Unfortunately, this piece of gym equipment has its drawbacks.
First of all, it puts stress on the lower back and can lead to disc injury.
Second, it allows your arms, legs, and shoulders to assist with the movement.
Therefore, it’s not challenging enough to activate the deep core muscles.
“But it’s better to just do planks,” he added.
Fitness expertYuri Elkaimwarns that most gym machines targeting the abs are just plain dangerous.
Similarly, incline sit-ups increase stress on the hip flexors and lumbar spine, which can lead to injuries.
When used correctly, it isolates your chest muscles and builds upper body strength.
At the end of the day, all gym machines have pros and cons.
The back extension bench, for instance, can lead to disc herniation in the long run.
To stay on the safe side, focus on functional movements, such as the squat and deadlift.
Avoid any machines that put your body in an awkward position or stress your spine and joints.
Always consider your fitness level and overall conditioning.
