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Original poster

Which machines do you use at the gym?

31 replies

PrunellaMcTat · 16/10/2022 08:12

Apart from the cardio I mean.

I mostly only go to the first circle of machines that the gym-residents don't seem to be very interested in. I'm working up the courage to stride confidently deeper into the gym and use the more popular machines.

I'm particularly interested in one that is without doubt the most popular machine at the gym - you lie face down and bend your legs upwards at the knee. All the teenage boys use that one, but I've noticed the awesome fit older ladies do too. Diagram for reference!

Which machines do you use at the gym?
OP posts:
WindyHedges · 16/10/2022 12:02

Should say, the training to failure also works well on the cardio machines, in using say, the Tabata technique, or HIIT training. That is, do 40 secs of running at a speed that is only just doable. Then 20 secs rest, then 40 secs back on the treadmill or stationary bike or cross trainer. Do that 10 times - you'll have really worked!

WindyHedges · 16/10/2022 12:00

The "flailing about" machine is a cross-trainer.

Actually, I think the hamstring machine is one of the more pointless machines, but I'm evangelical about using free weights, and getting familiar with deadlifts & squats. Deadlifts use your hamstrings like no machine ever will!

Whatever you do in the gym, you need to have a proper programme, that gets you in progressive overload.

And if you really want to build & tone muscle, you need to train to failure. You need to use weights on the machines so that at the end of a set of 5 repetitions, you probably couldn't do another. Then you rest for a minute or two, then you do another 5 reps. And so on 3 to 5 sets of reps, training to failure, will be a real work out for each group of muscles.

In the final reps of each set, you'll need excellent technique. Good technique (or "good form") keeps you safe from injury and helps you make gains.

You also need to plan your week of workouts so you cover the major upper & lower body muscle groups. And you need to include a 15 minute stretch after each session.

windowwhy · 16/10/2022 09:55

If you can I would invest in a PT, even just for a couple of sessions. My confidence soared in the gym after I did so

Original poster
PrunellaMcTat · 16/10/2022 09:45

I did have an induction and he showed me how to use the machines that I do use. There wasn't time to go over everything.

What is the purpose of the hamstring exercise? Is it bum shape? Or strong legs for running?

I use mostly upper body machines. I'd be interested to know exactly what they do though - eg this one tones your upper arms (good!) or this one is for body-builder pecs (less necessary).

I need to pay attention to what the super-fit older ladies do and copy them. I saw one lady do an amazing tough workout on the flailing about cardio machine - the one where you hold onto poles and move your arms and your legs are on little stands and they move too. Have attached another diagram because I quite enjoyed doing the last one and I'm trying to avoid doing my invoicing.

Which machines do you use at the gym?
OP posts:
PastaForLife · 16/10/2022 08:16

Excellent diagram OP! I’ve not seen a machine like that at the gym but it looks to be a hamstring curl machine.

I mainly use machine for the upper body / shoulder press, pull ups, chest press.
The only lower body machine I use is leg press.

Fingernails4Cash · 16/10/2022 08:14

That's doing hamstring.
I hate it, gives me cramp!
Are there instructors at your gym? Someone should show you around for free as part of an induction

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