About Back Exercise Machines

Back-exercise machines use resistance to help strengthen muscles. These machines offer pulling, twisting or body-extension motions. Different types of exercise machines work different muscles of the back.

Identification

Back-exercise machines focus on several major muscle groups. The trapezius is a broad triangle-shaped muscle that starts in the middle of the spine and extends up to both shoulders and the neck. The latissimus dorsi runs down the sides of the back to the buttocks. The infraspinatus runs along the shoulder blades to the shoulder muscles. The deltoid muscles in the shoulders and the gluteus maximus muscles in the buttocks are on the fringes of the back and are worked to a lesser degree.

Function

Most back-exercise machines function by pulling. The person exercising grabs a pair of handles and pulls toward them. Most machines require you to sit facing the apparatus with a pad on your chest. Resistance is provided by weights. The more weight added, the more difficult the pulling motion becomes. Different machines can work different muscles of the back by creating this pulling motion from different angles. A pulling motion from overhead involves different muscles than a pulling motion from below. Other machines involve twisting side to side, pulling the upper body upward against resistance or pulling the arms from above the head downward.

Types

Lat pull-down machines primarily work the latissimus dorsi muscles. This motion can also be accomplished with pull-ups on a bar using your body weight for resistance. Back-exercise machine that involve pulling motions from straight ahead or below are called seated row machines. This is because they require a motion similar to rowing a boat. Twisting back exercise machines keep your legs and hips stable while you twist back and forth with resistance. Overhead pullover machines involve pulling a bar from above your head down in front of you. This works the upper back. Hyperextension machines require you to raise your torso upward to work the lower back.

Significance

A strong back is essential to a strong body. Virtually every motion your body makes involves your back in some way. This is why it is so important to work out on back-exercise machines. Those with back problems can benefit significantly by strengthening their the muscles. A strong back is also attractive. Throughout history, a well-toned back has been considered a sign of beauty. Men desire a V-shaped back with a narrow waist and broad shoulders. Women covet a figure "8" shaped back that smoothly curves inward at the waist.

Warning

While the back is one of the strongest parts of the body, it is also one of the most fragile. It is essential to use perfect form while using exercise machines. The back should always remain straight and the weight must be lifted in a controlled fashion. Bending the back or yanking the weight can lead to serious injury. Only lift as much weight as you can handle with perfect form.