When you’re using machines, you also reduce the recruitment of the surrounding stabilizing muscles. Take bench presses: With free weights, you need to activate more of your deltoid muscles to hold the ...

Machines definitely get a bad rap at the gym, but when used correctly, they can help you improve your overall fitness levels and strength. One machine that's great for increasing your lower-body ...

When it comes to gym machines, the leg press is a solid choice for isolating your lower body. As a compound exercise that hits multiple lower-body muscle groups at once, it's also a great way to work ...

Alternatives to leg presses include using resistance bands to replace the weight of a leg press machine, squats, lunges, and broad jumps. Whether you’re using your legs to run a marathon or to get the ...

The Smith machine is a piece of fitness equipment commonly found in gyms that features a barbell fixed to a squat rack, limiting movement to one single plane. “Because the bar is attached to the rack, ...

Bodyweight exercises may be all the rage these days, but if you’re in the mood to test your strength at the gym, machines are still a great option. You just need to know how to use them safely, and ...

It’s no secret that consistent running is important for progress, but what about strength training? When visiting a gym, runners may feel inclined to stick with the treadmill, but research reveals ...