Photo: maridav (Shutterstock) you may have heard Dumbbell exercises are better than barbell exercises because they work more of your body. “stabilizers,” or that free weights are better than machines for Same reason. But what are stabilizer muscles? AAre they really careless with machine exercises and are they so important for training? What are stabilizer … Read more
Oscillating Bar Overhead Press This is not a good replacement for a strict press, as the instability means you can’t use as much weight. However, it’s a great workout for the muscles that stabilize the shoulders during a press, including the core—basically everything from the hips up. Make it harder by using thinner bands, even … Read more
Photo: Francesco Bucci (Shutterstock) The last time we saw planks of Copenhagen was our roundup of the best bodyweight exercises that actually build strength. But it is an underrated exercise and deserves its own attention. the Copenhagen Plank looks a bit like a side table :YIt is supported on the hand or elbow, with the … Read more
Zercher Cable Squat Some cable machines come with a long, straight bar with holes at both ends. You can connect this to both cables on a matched cable machine. The first time I saw one, I tried to squat with it, but the cables pulled the bar in a way that made it hard to … Read more
Photo: YAKOBCHUK VYACHESLAV (Shutterstock) Fitness is one of those areas where you can literally spend as much money as you have. There are gyms that cost $10 a month and there are gyms, sorry, boutique fitness studios—that will run you $50 or more per workout. There is a similar wide open price range for clothing, … Read more
Photo: wavebreakmedia (Shutterstock) If you’ve ever considered taking a Pilates class, you may be intimidated by the c-machine contraption.alled a reformer—That’s it used in many studies. A reformer is a bed-like machine with a sliding platform and removable resistance bands.. but as common as reformers in specialized studios, mat classes—that do not require specialized equipment, … Read more