Dangerous Exercise Machines
03.10.10
Did you know that your regular workout could be damaging your health? Have you ever wondered what the point was in exercise machines? They are made to isolate certain muscle groups and help you to work them by moving your body in ways you were never meant to move. But some of these machines could be damaging your back and joints. Don’t be a fool in the gym by gambling your health on dangerous machines, read this article to learn some of the dangers involved, and how to fix them. Most fitness instructors agree that some machines should be ditched and replaced with exercises which rely on your natural weight.
NOTE: None of these machines target abs, if you’re looking for some good ab exercises check this out: LoganMay
Machine – Leg Extender
Muscle Group: Quads
Most people use this machine because they think it gives them a better leg workout, but the truth is that the muscles it works aren’t even used in your daily life. Walking, jogging, sprinting and even swimming don’t rely on those muscles. It can also cause serious damage to your knee ligaments and tendons. You can use your body weight to work your legs by performing easy one legged squats. This exercise puts a lot less strain on your knees. Simply stand on one leg and hold your opposite foot behind your buttocks, then bend the other knee as far as you can and come on back up again. If your balance is a little off you can simply hold on to the back of a chair or a balancing rail.
Machine – Seated Lat Pull-Down
Muscle Group: Lats, back, and biceps
Unless your one of the most flexible people in the gym you’re probably going to find it difficult to use this machine correctly. Using it without proper instruction can result in a damaged rotar cuff, the muscle in the shoulders which provided stability. A more natural exercise which uses your body weight as resistance is the incline pull up. Just hang onto a bar at waist height and lift up both legs so they are in the horizontal position. Now just pull your chest to the bar, remember to keep your legs out in front of you. three sets of 10-15 reps will give your upper body an incredible workout and you’ll avoid the risks associated with the machine alternative.
Machine – Overhead Military Press
Muscle Group: Shoulders and triceps
Lifting things above your head naturally relies on your hips to provide support and balance. This machine takes away that support and without it your shoulder joints are very vulnerable. I recommend you stop using this machine and practice medicine ball throws instead. You don’t need two people to perform this exercise, instead just bounce the ball off a wall, making sure you aim above head height. Throw softly so the ball drops near your feet and squat to catch it, rising up again in a fluid motion to throw it back. After a little practice you’ll get the hang of not letting the ball hit your face. Try and hit 20 reps for a great workout.