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<\/a>Lever (Selectorized) Leg Extension<\/p><\/div>\n
A “Lever” machine is one where the movement is restricted to a single movement of a lever;\u00a0 These are what most people refer to when they’re referring to “machines.”\u00a0 There are two types of lever operated machines–\u00a0 Selectorized lever machines, and plate loaded lever machines.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Lever (Plate Loaded) High Row<\/p><\/div>\n
They differ in one giant way–\u00a0 How the weight is added and \/ or changed for the exercise.\u00a0 You select<\/em> which weight you want to move on a “Selectorized” machine by placing a pin in the hole of your desired resistance on the weight stack.\u00a0 A plate loaded lever machine, like the name suggests, accepts traditional weight plates to change the resistance \/ weight moved during the exercise.\u00a0 Gyms typically opt for selectorized machines over plate loaded machines because they’re more convenient for gym users, regarded as “safer,” and typically take up less space.\u00a0 If a workout calls for “Plate Loaded Chest Press,” or “Selectorized Chest Press,” these are what they’re talking about.\u00a0 (Pro tip:\u00a0 If it only says “machine,” they mean the selectorized version 99% of the time.)<\/p>\n This is a Smith Machine.<\/p><\/div>\n The Smith Machine is a barbell with a hook & latch safety system built in so that you don’t become pinned while performing “dangerous” exercises without a spotter.\u00a0 Smith Machine’s should typically be reserved for pushing yourself very hard on the bench press, but is widely used for any workout.\u00a0 (At my gym, everyone uses it for shrugs and upright rows for some inexplicable reason.)\u00a0 I’m not here to talk about how you should really stay away from the Smith unless you’re pushing yourself on the bench press (or variants), and how it makes every exercise insanely easier by taking most muscles out of the exercise–\u00a0 That’s the subject of another post.\u00a0 If a workout calls for “Smith Machine Squats,” they’re talking about this.\u00a0 (While some would argue that you could use the Smith to push yourself with Squats, many would disagree.\u00a0 Ask for a spot.)<\/p>\n<\/a>