Gym machines generally get a bad rap but don’t underestimate the effectiveness of a few OG options.
Find out more about the best workout machines below.
And it’s not really shocking: Most ofwhat we’ve learned about gym machines is that they suck.
Photo: Microgen / Shutterstock.
And isn’t that the opposite of what you want to be doing during a workout?
Lat Pull-Down
A strong back will help you stand taller and reduce your injury risk.
“You’ll find a lat pull-down machine in every gym in America,” says Carson.
Photo: Jasminko Ibrakovic.
However, pull-ups are freaking hard.
So, it’s unlikely that it’s possible for you to just whip one out without any training.
“Everyone can stand to increase their pulling strength,” says Carson.
Photo: psisa / GettyImages.
Try 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps using this back workout machine.
Pull-Up/Dip Machine
Reminder: Pull-ups are tough, sure, but so are bodyweight dips.
They’re both killers for your upper body and back muscles and are much easier said than done.
On an upper-body day, try using this machine for modified pull-ups and triceps dips.
(Better yet,make it a supersetby alternating between the two moves.)
Try 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps.
4.
Chest Press
This arm machine is an incredibly effective way to work several muscles at once.
(FYI, here are thetop 6 exercise picks to perk up your pecs.)
Seated Leg Press
For a leg machine at the gym, head toward the leg press machine.
On a lower-body day, try 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps at a light- to medium-weight stack.
(This is just one of several common muscular imbalances.)
Cable Machine
If you had to choose just one machine at the gym, use this one.
This multipurpose station has some serious perks that even free weights orbodyweight movescan’t offer.
Because of gravity, you’re always working against a downward pull with dumbbells or free weights.
With a cable machine, you have the option to work against a horizontal or diagonal resistance.
(Here’s why it’s so important to have a strong core.)
It can also minimize injury.
(Learn more on:when to use heavy vs. light weights.)
