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Make the Most of the Weight Machines at Your Gym
Before
After
Cable Machine Standing Leg Lifts
Targets: Butt, hips, inner thighs, and outer thighs
Why it's key: The seated adductor and abductor machines (aka the inner and outer thigh machines, respectively) may be favorites with women, but your legs can do better. "Standing to do leg exercises with the cable machine forces you to work the thigh muscles more, and the cable lets you hit all the angles," Esco says. "Plus, the seated machines don't really target the butt muscles as well."
How to use it: To work your outer thighs, set the pulley at the lowest level, then stand with your left side facing the machine and put the cuff around your right ankle. Hold on to the machine with your left hand and, keeping your right leg straight, bring your right foot directly out to the side as high as you can. (To hit extra muscle fibers in your hips, start with your right foot pigeon-toed and turn it outward as you lift.) Do all your reps, then work your inner left thigh (as shown in second photo):
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Cables are less effective. Look at the mechanics. The leg is a hinged lever. Placing stress at one end (the weight) and pivoting at the other end (the hip) places lateral stress in the middle on the knee. The seated machines place the stress above the knee. The machines, if used properly, will 'kick butt'. My clients prove it every workout. Email Rick@ultimatebest.net to learn how.
3/24/2011 07:22:42 PM Report Abuse