Published: Aug 22, 2016, 17:52 IST    Updated: Aug 22, 2016, 17:57 IST

5 Types Of Fitness Equipment That You Don't Really Need

Fitness Equipment That You Don’t Really Need

First let’s cut some slack here for gym equipment manufacturers: in the interest of having a cutting edge over other competitors, they come up with multiple types of cardio machines and weight training equipments. Each apparatus targets specific areas that apparently other similar machine won’t. These commercial manufacturers have done a great job in misleading people into thinking that a gym that has more variety of machines is a better place to work out at. People fail to realize that they work out so they don’t depend on machines in the future. Are we not dependant on machines outside the gym already?

Here is a list of gym equipment that aren’t actually that useful. 

1. Leg Extension Machine

When it comes to functionality, the core purpose of training would be to involve compound unsupported movements, which are very much close to our daily activities. Yes, of course a leg extension would still build muscle but when it comes to choosing a more efficient exercise, why waste time over a supported isolation movement? However, the most important thing that makes this exercise a complete waste of time is the total absence in the involvement of the rectus femoris, a muscle that originates from the hips and inserts somewhere near the knee. In a sitting position, this muscle will not be involved in the extension of the knee. Hence, leading to a total time waste (Read bi-articulate muscle theory to know more). 

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2. Leg Press

During my earlier days of training, I used to take pride in stealing all the lifting plates available at my local gym and push the heaviest amount of weight. Again, when it comes to muscle building this would make sense but as a functional carry over, this exercise stands nowhere close to a Squat or a Step-up. Pushing heavy loads on fixed pathway will not translate to lower body strength outside the gym. If you plan to use a leg press anyway, make sure you push weights three times your body weight and go for 3 to 4 reps max.

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3. Smiths Machine

The Smiths Machine is another piece of equipment that restricts you from using proper biomechanics. People take great pride in doing a half squat with heavy loads on a smith machine but I assure you, that carrying this kind of load on a free squat will be impossible. Keep in mind that functionality is very important. It is a total waste of space at the gym and still is one of the most demanded pieces of equipment by clients.

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4. Prone Lying Hamstring Curl Machine

Although this piece of equipment has seen a transition and evolved to a seated hamstring curl, lot of gyms still have a prone hamstring curl machine without understanding anything about human kinesiology. The bi-articulate theory again plays a very important role here. Of the 4 hamstring muscle that are present in a pronated position where hips are extended, only one tiny muscle (the short head of the bicep femoris) will be doing all the work. All other muscles will assist in keeping the hips extended and hence not be available to flex the knee while doing the curl. 

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5. Wrist Curl Machine

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This exercise is either done on a machine or using a barbell, regardless, this exercise has proven to cause more harm than be of use. It damages the carpal nerves that are present in the wrist and the forearm. Apart from this, even the carpal bones present on the wrist could get degenerated over time due to the friction. It could lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that is an extremely painful condition to suffer from. 

Helius is one of Mumbai’s most promising fitness professionals and part time kettle bell lecturer. His knowledge on nutrition and trainer soft skills management is well recognized. To know more about him CLICK HERE, and mail your queries about fitness to heliusd@hotmail.com.