How to Workout Smart and Save Time
by Ryan StarnesA simple method for achieving a more efficient workout is to use free weight and cable exercises in lieu of machines at the gym. Save time and attain better results!
Free weight and cable exercises allow a free range of motion (hence the name) and incorporate more muscles to stabilize the joints compared to machines. This is not only good for injury prevention, but many of the joint stabilizers are muscles that exercisers spend a considerable amount of time working on anyway. Abdominal muscles must regularly be recruited to stabilize the spine and pelvis during many free weight and cable leg, back, shoulder and chest exercises. An exerciser can acquire a great ab workout without having to do one isolated ‘ab exercise.’
The muscles of the inner thigh, or adductors, are another great example of muscles that can easily be worked as stabilizers. Try doing a squat with a stance that is 8 to 10 inches outside of each shoulder and you are guaranteed a great inner thigh workout. The glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves are also working at the same time. That is efficiency!
There is no reason to breakup each muscle into a separate exercise. That is not how the body functions in the real world and there is no such thing as spot-reduction fat loss. Instead, save yourself some time and get a better, smarter workout with free weight and cable exercises.