The 5 Best Machines for Women

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3. Leg Press

Basic Move: Leg Press
Targets: quads, glutes

Because it keeps your body in a stable position while targeting your butt and thighs, you get an amazing workout. Adjust the seat so thighs are parallel to the foot plate when you recline; keep feet hip-width apart. Pressing feet into plate, straighten legs; don't lock knees at the top. Bend knees and lower until weight hovers just above stack; repeat.

Challenge yourself: A pli� leg press targets your inner thighs along with your glutes. Place feet several inches wider than hip-width apart, toes pointed outward. When you press up, make sure knees are aligned over toes.

Next: 4. Smith Machine

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cheryldelaney11 wrote:

i have a knee that grinds when I go down or up steps... I will obviously avoid stair climber...but which is better on knee...bike or elliptical? I have been doing the bike that is low..not the standard position...any suggestions?

1/20/2013 06:34:24 AM Report Abuse

cunspooki wrote:

I think as the article says you should not do the same excersizes over and over. So mixing machines and the excersizes you mentioned have strong benefits.

9/4/2010 08:50:00 PM Report Abuse

jillyany wrote:

I've heard conflicting advice on strength training - this article promotes using some weight machines, but I've also heard that using free weights and doing squats, lunges etc without machines is best, because you do work those stabilizing muscles at the same time. Wondering what others have heard or experienced?

4/14/2010 07:06:30 PM Report Abuse