Buying guide: what to know before buying a lower body machine online
As with the upper body machines or abdominal machines, the main advantage of the lower body machines is their specialty, since, depending on the model and the exercise performed, they offer a complete and effective training of the legs, buttocks, quadriceps or hamstrings, among other muscles of the lower body area. This translates into a more efficient and focused workout during training by the user, who can decide expressly and at all times the specific muscle that wants to strengthen and tone. However, if you also want to strengthen the core area, an abdominal machine will be the best way to do it.
What types of lower body machines are there?
Although all lower body machines are used to work the lower body, there are differences between the available models that can be decisive when it comes to purchasing them:
According to their usefulness
Depending on the model, the weight training equipment can be more or less complete. Some allow the work of different muscle groups depending on the exercise, but others are specialized in a single muscle group, so that the user can focus on it and work it with greater intensity during their workouts. Therefore, depending on the muscle or muscles you want to strengthen and tone, you should choose one device or another.
According to their resistance
The lower body machines, as well as the middle and upper body machines, can exercise their resistance through selectable plates or disc loading. In plate resistance machines, the plates are easily selected without the need for manual selection. On disc-loaded resistance machines, however, they must be entered manually to vary the weight.
According to their use
Lower body machines, as is also the case with other cardiovascular or weight training equipment, can be classified as "domestic, semi-professional or professional" depending on the intensity and frequency of use they can withstand. This classification has a direct influence on the product warranty, so it is necessary to check that the equipment you are going to choose is prepared to withstand the intensity of exercise to which it is going to be subjected.
Technical characteristics of lower body machines
Material, resistance and maximum load
The material with which the machine has been manufactured and the maximum load it can support are two aspects that determine the resistance of the apparatus. It is important to check these values before purchasing one model or another in order to obtain a guarantee of its estimated duration.
Maximum user weight
All cardiovascular and weight training equipment has a limit on the maximum user weight it can support. It is advisable not to exceed this limit in order to guarantee that they work correctly and that the work performed is optimal.
What are the benefits of lower body machines?
As we mentioned above the biggest advantage of lower body machines is their specialty that allows you to perform multiple exercises for a complete workout. But you should keep in mind that if you want to strengthen your upper body in addition to your lower body, we have a selection of chest machines that are perfect for completing your leg workout. In addition to that, training the lower body in addition to the upper body helps you acquire muscle symmetry and body balance. Another of its benefits is that the lower body allows you to have worked legs which will favor the gain of muscle mass in the performance of other upper body exercises by having greater strength and endurance in them. Also, training with lower body machines helps to train strength which increases basal metabolism and helps prevent injuries. As a complement to your training you can also perform lumbar exercises on a bench to improve the lumbar area or opt for incline benches to strengthen the abdominal area.
How should you care for and maintain lower body machines?
Lower body machines require minimal care to help them work properly:
- If the machine has a plate tower, the parts that compose it should be checked so that no element is missing that could prevent the machine from allowing you to train correctly.
- The wiring: It is necessary to make sure that the cables and pulleys of the lower train machines are in perfect condition without any damage (special attention should be paid to possible wear or lack of coatings) and that they are aligned.
- In general, it is advisable to check from time to time that the machine has not been misaligned and that all parts are in place.
- Finally, as with all fitness machines, sweat and dust should be removed after use.