The 5 Best Machines for Women

Comments (3)
Print

Pages in this Story:

5. Shoulder Press

Basic Move: Shoulder Press
Targets anterior and medial deltoids

This machine is ideal for working the top, sides, and fronts of your shoulders. To make sure you're hitting the muscles without hurting your joints, it's important to set the seat correctly: When you sit and grasp the handles, your elbows should be at the level of your shoulders or above, and your thighs should be parallel to the floor. Grip the outside handles, and engage your abs, keeping back straight. Straighten arms, pressing upward to lift weight; don't lock your elbows at the top of the movement. Lower weight back toward starting position, but don't allow it to touch the stack. Repeat.

Challenge yourself: Use the inside handles. From this position, smaller "helper" muscles aren't able to assist the movement, so there's more of an emphasis on the shoulders.

Next: 4 Mistakes Not to Make

What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.

Related Links

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Email Address:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

What do you think? Review this story! >

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