Thoughts on using assisted pullup machine for glutes/legs?

Smacfit_
Smacfit_ Posts: 101 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all! I have seen people use the assisted pullup machine for a glute and leg workout on Instagram (haha) and want to try it out. However I also recall a meme I saw once where people were making fun of someone using this machine for glutes/legs as it is not the correct purpose of the machine. Is it weird and bad gym etiquette to use this machine as part of my leg day workout?! Am I over thinking this? LOL. Any feedback welcome!

Replies

  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    Why not just use a machine specially designed for that purpose? I’ve seen it done and it typically just tries to mimic what you would do on a leg press machine - however, you have to keep the resistance very light or you can’t move the bar and will just stand on it since you aren’t anchored.
  • jjpptt2
    jjpptt2 Posts: 5,650 Member
    IMO, as long as you are doing it safely, use the equipment how ever you want. I do wonder if there is a better machine for what you are trying to do...
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    I can't quite picture a leg movement you could do with the assisted pull-up that wouldn't work better with a cable machine or the leg press either. I would check whether the gym has another piece of equipment that does whatever you're trying to do better (it wouldn't be the first instagrammer to get overly creative about doing 50 random exercises for the same body part...and also related: you don't need to do like 50 different random leg/butt exercises in a session).
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I wouldn't consider it bad etiquette, but I would consider it time that isn't worth the investment if you are able to deadlift, squat, hip belt squat, etc... which would improve your posterior chain more optimally.

    Most things you will see on Instagram can be pretty close to bad info. People trying to get "likes" to make $. Why I'm not opposed to this if you have good content. This happens to be one that doesn't in my eyes.

    I would stick to things that more than likely will give you better results for the time invested.
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    I use the one at my gym for this since we don't have a dedicated machine for it. I don't wear street shoes at the gym on leg day (they are only used at the gym) and I wipe it down after.
  • Dansfightforlife
    Dansfightforlife Posts: 111 Member
    I would have to see how you are using it or at least see the machine to know for sure, but . . . When considering just the glutes, you really need to have some level of hip extension in order to work the glute muscle (that is assuming we are talking about the glute max), an assisted pull-up machine might promote some glute/quad activation but I don't see it promoting the hip extension better than some of the more tried and true methods. As mentioned above, a squat, deadlift, or any number of other leg/glute dominant exercises utilizing free weights or machines is probably going to give you a better bang for your workout buck. I have not personally seen many "unconventional" uses for gym equipment that work better than the tried and true methods, but I'm just some random guy on MFP delving out workout advice, so take it for what its worth.
  • deputy_randolph
    deputy_randolph Posts: 940 Member
    I use it after deadlifts (and ham curls) as an extra accessory...I push down on the bar with my foot (is this what you mean?) I think this movement really hits my hams more than butt.

    I've never seen anyone openly mocking me while doing this...I've seen people watching (mostly just dudes).

    You need to squat/dl first and then do whatever you want afterwards...
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    I have felt awkward the few times standing on the assisted pull-up. (I'm 4'10"...I don't get remotely up to the bar if only kneeling on the platform).
  • Cahgetsfit
    Cahgetsfit Posts: 1,912 Member
    I use it for that - it's a great exercise. I don't give a flying *kitten* what people think of me pushing down with my foot on the pad LOL. I don't consider it bad etiquette because i'm actually using the machine, not just standing there hogging it while playing on my phone (that annoys the crap out of me).

    It's a good exercise. I recommend it.
  • Teabythesea_
    Teabythesea_ Posts: 559 Member
    It's not so much that it's not the purpose of the machine... I've seen some pretty innovative stuff that's useful, its just that I don't see the point. You could get a lot more activation from a leg press or even dumbbell step ups and lunges. It's like using the Smith machine for leg presses... why...? Maybe I'm wrong and I'm actually missing out, someone enlighten me.
  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    Teabythesea_ wrote: »
    It's not so much that it's not the purpose of the machine... I've seen some pretty innovative stuff that's useful, its just that I don't see the point. You could get a lot more activation from a leg press or even dumbbell step ups and lunges. It's like using the Smith machine for leg presses... why...? Maybe I'm wrong and I'm actually missing out, someone enlighten me.

    I’m as confused as you... Using the assisted pull-up machine to do this means by definition you are pushing less weight than your actual body weight - because you aren’t anchored in place. If you increase the resistance to equal or exceed your body weight you might as well get a box and step up on that - because that bar on the machine isn’t going to move.
  • pierinifitness
    pierinifitness Posts: 2,226 Member
    Sue, why not but while you’re there, do lots of assisted pull-ups first.
  • Keto_Vampire
    Keto_Vampire Posts: 1,670 Member
    I don't see anything wrong with people doing this; it's just that there are much better exercises as others have already mentioned. Similarly, assisted pull-up machine can be used for doing tricep push downs...if anything, when I see people doing creative gym hack movements, I am usually under the impression he/she is pretty creative and possibly bored with doing the same old bread & butter variations.
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    I use it at the end of a leg day routine, (I miss my leg days, marathon training, so heavy leg days are a distant memory and won't restart till may), after I've done everything else including various squats, lunges, deadlifts, glute bridges etc. I always do them as single leg pushdowns and make sure I get as large a range of motion as possible, find it works top of hamstring in to glutes. But I can't use the gyms leg press, I'm too short for the safety to work and can't always get a spot.

    Can't say I've ever had any funny looks, but there again I have my earphones in and am just in my own little world.

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