An article stating what we have for years: “Worst Exercise Machines” and what to do instead!
Worst Exercise Machines
Stephen Perrine with Leah Flickinger and the Editors of Women’s Health Tuesday, March 20, 2012 YAHOO.HEALTH
When it comes to working out, exercise machines aren’t always effective–or even safe. Here are the machines to skip next time you hit the gym, plus some alternative exercises to help you train smarter.
Seated Leg Extension Machine
What it’s supposed to do: Train the quadriceps.
What it actually does: It strengthens a motion your legs aren’t actually designed to do, and can put undue strain on the ligaments and tendons surrounding the kneecaps.
A better exercise: One-Legged Body-Weight Squats
Lift one leg up and bend the opposite knee, dipping as far as you can, with control, while flexing at the hip, knee, and ankle. Use a rail for support until you develop requisite leg strength and balance. Aim for five to 10 reps on each leg. (If you are susceptible to knee pain, do the Bulgarian split squat instead, resting the top of one foot on a bench positioned two to three feet behind you. Descend until your thigh is parallel to the ground and then stand back up. Do five to 10 reps per leg.)
[“The picture above shows a pistol squat which most people cannot perform, keeping the balance leg behind, usually on a box or chair is a more practical way” – Dr. Dusty]
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