10 Machines You Must Avoid at the Gym
The Best Life presents its list of 10 machines you must avoid at the gym. These machines put the body in an unnatural position, place stress on muscles, or put you at risk for injury – the site then lists good alternative body-weight exercises. The typical problem with machines is the path of the exercise is linear – using free weights or body weight with free movement is more natural and results in a better exercise – having to balance yourself makes it more difficult.
One of my favorites:
Squats Using Smith Machine
What it’s supposed to do: Train chest, biceps, and legs
What it actually does: The alignment of the machine—the bar is attached to a vertical sliding track—makes for linear, not natural, arched movements. This puts stress on the knees, shoulders, and lower back.
A better exercise: Body-weight squats. See “Seated Leg Press.”