Top 5 gym machines

There’s nothing more intimidating than walking into a gym as a first timer. There’s a maze of unfamiliar gym machines, the music is pumping almost as boldly as the “big boys” and everybody seems to know exactly what they’re doing. It isn’t any wonder that some first timers just head over to the “safety” of the treadmill and sadly stay there.

But what if I told you that you could get everything you needed in a quality strength workout by just using (and remembering) five machines! That’s right!

According to Zap Fitness Personal Trainer (PT), Matt Corbin, if you’re new to the gym with the aim of moving beyond the tready. And you’re keen to smash out a fantastic, well rounded functional workout. Then this is all you need to know.

Hit it Matt:

1. Shoulder Press (a push machine working your upper body in particular the deltoids and triceps)

2. Lat Pull Down (a pull machine targeting your back and namely your latissimus dorsi or lats)

3. Chest Press (a push machine working your pecs, deltoids, all three heads of the triceps, and forearm muscles)

4. Seated Row (a pull machine targeting more of your upper back and lats as well as encouraging stabilisation of your core)

5. Leg Press (the perfect introduction into free weight squatting and a great alternative if your bodyweight squat still needs work. The leg press is a push machine engaging most of the muscles in the legs, namely the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves)

As an experienced PT of 9 years, Matt has a Degree in Bio-Medicine and is in his final year of study to be a qualified Osteopath. So, let’s face it, this guy knows his fitness business! And as Matt explains, “Machine-based workouts are great for beginners. They are an excellent place to start with a reduced chance of injury, easy weight adjustment and are far less intimidating than working with free weights.”

Another plus that Matt points out is that the stability requirements are far less than performing the dumbbell or barbell versions. This is more likely to give the participant more confidence and create a greater challenge for them when moving up in weight.

A few key coaching cues that Matt likes to ensure his clients are mindful of when doing a gym machine-based workout are as follows, “Posture; be aware of where your body is and try move well within that. This is where I find it is imperative to first show people how to move correctly on each machine.” says Matt.

“Breathing is an important aspect too, for example on a leg press I would say exhale while pushing away and inhale on the way back down. However, I generally don’t focus too heavily on that for beginners. As long as they remember to breathe, they can perfect it down the track.” he explains.

Of course, when it comes to the gym machines to know, these are not limited to the strength based ones. Matt points out that there are some great cardio machines that don’t require mind numbing, lengthy workouts to be effective. The bike or X-trainer are excellent low impact options that are more challenging than simply walking. Matt recommends to “Keep it sho

If you’re ready to tackle an awesome gym machine strength session, why not pop into Zap Fitness Surrey Hills and chat to PT Matt.

– by Prue Houston

Contact Matt Corbin at Zap Fitness Surrey Hills

Phone: 0421 526 409

Email: [email protected]

Website: sixcoreoutcomes.com.au

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