Category Archives: Lower Body

Gym Machines Intro – Lower Body/Core

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Many people make the mistake of focusing solely on their upper body when working out, but starting with a strong core and powerful legs can do wonders for your body.  Here are some of the most popular gym machines to help you get started.

Lower Body:

Leg Press Machine

The lower body gym machines guide wouldn’t be complete without The Leg Press Machine.  It is a fantastic exercise for the full lower body.  The one pictured above is a horizontal version, but you may see variations where you are seated at an upward angle.


Leg Extension Machine


Leg Curl Machine

Besides the Leg Press, the best exercises for your legs are the Leg Extension Machine and the Leg Curl Machine.  Sometimes they are combined into one piece of equipment.  The Extensions are good for focusing on the quadriceps (the front of the thigh) and warming up your knees while the Curls are great at working your hamstrings.

Hip Adduction / Abduction Machine

Hip Adduction / Abduction Machine

To improve your outer and inner thighs, Hip Adduction and Abduction Machine will do the trick.  Depending on your gym it could be in one machine or separated into two.  While the name sounds confusing, the exercise couldn’t be easier.  You simply squeeze your legs inward or outward.

Standing Calf Machine

Seated Calf Machine

Finally, the last part of your leg to work on is the calves.  Pictured above are two of the most popular styles: seated and standing.  Both work your calf muscles equally and also help with a phenomenal stretch after running on the treadmill or doing other kinds of cardio.

Abdomen/Core:

Sit Up Machine

For the abdominal muscles, there are dozens of workouts that you can do that don’t involve machines at all, but to get results quicker a gym machine such as the Sit Up Machine pictured above can be a great help.  There are other variations that perform more of a crunch exercise and some will use stacked weights instead of manual plates.

Torso Twist Machine

One of my favorite of all the gym machines at my gym is definitely the Torso Twist Machine.  It works the abdomen while also exercising your obliques to help get rid of those pesky love handles.  Its a killer exercise and an excellent stretch for your lower back.

Now, to work on the upper body gym machine guide!

Best Exercise Machines

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Exercise is an important part of life. Walking, jogging, running, biking… all of these are fantastic ways to make your body move as well as burn calories. Unfortunately, weather and location don’t always permit you to exercise outdoors. Luckily, we have many styles of exercise machines that can be used indoors any time you want. You can find most of these at the majority of gyms and health clubs, but you can also purchase an exercise machine for home use if you have the space.

A treadmill is probably the most popular piece of cardio exercise equipment.  They are ideal of most people of any experience level or age.  If you can walk, you can use a treadmill.  Expensive treadmills that you will find at gyms will usually have many options to assist in your workout.  Setting the incline to a steeper degree will allow you to burn more calories in a shorter time to help make your workouts more efficient.  You may also be able to program the treadmill to create a workout using different inclines to emulate walking up a large hill or a variety of hills.

Smooth Fitness 5.65 Folding Treadmill

For home purposes, space is the key thing to think about with any exercise machine purchase.  Will it fit where you need it to?  Its amazing how many people do not properly take this fact or into consideration and end up having to return their equipment.  Treadmills do come in a fold-able variety to take up less space when not in use.  Some folding treadmills end up being cheaper than others, so you have to be careful to find one that is built well.  The Smooth Fitness 5.65 Folding Treadmill is a wonderful example of a space saving treadmill, but one that is still sturdy and high tech.

Some say that treadmills are bad on your knees from all of the running.  The best exercise machine to avoid knee injuries is an elliptical exercise machine.  Their unique design allows for smooth movements that will save your knees from having to absorb a lot of shock.  Elliptical exercise machines are very popular so all gyms will have several dozen of them.

Stamina 55-1610 InMotion E1000 Elliptical Trainer

They are also fantastic for home use.  Space can be a huge issue with elliptical exercise machines due to their moving parts.  Be sure to leave extra room so as to not scuff up your walls.  A brilliant variety is the Stamina InMotion Elliptical Trainer.  It is tiny and compact and can even be used from a seated position.  My favorite use is to bring it to work and use it while you are sitting at your desk.  Not only will you be burning calories while you would normally be sedentary, you will find that getting your blood pumping a bit more will enable you to think better, be more focused and more productive.

Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer

For a person who has space to spare and are looking for a traditional elliptical exercise machine, look no further than the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer.  The features it offers are top of the line, while the price is amazingly affordable.  Along with standard features such as using set workouts or creating custom workouts and setting different resistance levels, it has some creature comforts that make it better than others.  You can input music directly into the machine to play your music through its two speakers.  It also has a multi speed fan to cool you while exercising, an amazing addition that anyone would appreciate.

The main thing to focus on is what you are most likely to use.  Whichever one of the exercise machines you end up purchasing, be sure it is something that you will use often.  The best exercise machine isn’t the same for every single person.  Take the time to think about exactly what you are looking for.

Discover The Many Benefits Of Kickboxing And Body-Shaping Workouts Combined To The Hottest Dance Hits

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The new craze in fitness is performing special types of aerobic activities while listening to adrenaline pumping beats. It is time to discover the many benefits of kickboxing and body-sculpting workouts set to the hottest dance music. This is definitely one exercise routine that everyone will enjoy.

Kickboxing is incredibly good for your health. The constant movements and stretching are sure to benefit anyone who performs them. It is great for raising your pulse and increasing your metabolism. This type of exercise will make you sweat and feel great afterwards. Not only will you feel amazing, you will be learning self-defense as well.

Aerobic exercise are the most effective for burning calories. By burning the extra calories, you will be able to shed those unwanted pounds fast. Aerobics deliver fantastic results to your physique, mental health, and confidence. Exercising greatly reduces stress that you are burdened with. Your state of mind will become much more positive by relieving this unneeded stress.

The feeling of confidence you have in yourself is going to improve. Walking tall and proud, due to the fact that as you lose weight your posture will improve, will show others that you have a great sense of self-worth. It is going to feel much better knowing that you will be able to defend yourself effectively. As you perform these routines repeatedly, you are instructing yourself in a martial art.

Disciplining ones self is hard to do when it comes to exercising each and every day. It is easy to procrastinate and constantly make excuses as to why you cannot do it today. Turbo Jam is one of these types of programs that will completely remove those feelings. It is entertaining and enjoyable to exercise along with it.

Exercising to the latest heart pumping songs is exhilarating and motivating. Hearing these great tunes will make you want to get up and move. It will also help you to get a more effective workout. It is easy to find yourself lost to the beat and not paying attention to how great of a workout you are actually getting. Music has an astounding ability to affect our minds and bodies. It truly can stir the soul and give us added energy. That added energy is delivered to our bodies while working out.

If you are looking for a new way to get a great workout, look no further. Discover the many benefits of kickboxing and body-sculpting workouts set to the hottest dance music for yourself. These routines can easily be done in your own home through the aid of a DVD.

For an enthusiastic and effective workout session, check out the excitement of Turbo Jam. You can see the advantages and benefits by visiting the Turbo Jam forum today.