Best Machine Exercises
This shortlist highlights 23 exercises that use machine equipment. It is a curated editorial roundup built from movement type, equipment, and difficulty data — not a lab ranking or coaching substitute.
How we chose these exercises
- •We group exercises by the attribute a reader is most likely filtering on first, such as target muscle, equipment, or difficulty.
- •We favor exercises with clear movement intent and dependable metadata for muscle group, equipment, and difficulty.
- •Beginner-friendly movements and low-equipment options are surfaced earlier when the shortlist serves broad training intent.
- •This page is a curated editorial ranking rather than a personalized training plan or medical recommendation.
Featured exercises
23 curated exercises for this shortlist.
C
Calf Raise
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- None
C
Cycling
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- Core
E
Elliptical Trainer
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- Arms, Core
H
Hyperextension
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Back
- Secondary Muscle
- Glutes, Hamstrings
L
Leg Curl
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- None
L
Leg Extension
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- None
L
Leg Press
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- Glutes
R
Rowing
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Back
- Secondary Muscle
- Legs, Arms, Core
S
Seated Calf Raise
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- None
S
Stair Climber
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- Glutes, Core
C
Crunches
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Abs
- Secondary Muscle
- Serratus Anterior
D
Double-Leg Abdominal Press
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Abs
- Secondary Muscle
- None
H
Hack Squat
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Legs
- Secondary Muscle
- Glutes
H
Hollow Hold
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Obliques
- Secondary Muscle
- Abs
L
Leg Raises, Lying
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Abs
- Secondary Muscle
- Serratus Anterior
M
Machine Chest Press Exercise
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Chest
- Secondary Muscle
- Triceps
M
Machine lateral wise
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Shoulders
- Secondary Muscle
- None
P
Plate twist
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Obliques
- Secondary Muscle
- Abs
S
Side Crunch
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Obliques
- Secondary Muscle
- Abs
S
Sit & Reach
- Category
- Isolation
- Primary Muscle
- Hamstrings
- Secondary Muscle
- None
S
Superman
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Glutes
- Secondary Muscle
- Lats
P
Plank Shoulter Taps
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Shoulders
- Secondary Muscle
- Glutes, Abs, Lats
Y
Yoga exercise: Cow-cat
- Category
- Compound
- Primary Muscle
- Shoulders
- Secondary Muscle
- Lats, Traps, Obliques
Training references
- wger exercise database API — Source dataset used for exercise names, muscle targets, equipment, and difficulty tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best machine exercises?
Best Machine Exercises highlights options such as Calf Raise, Cycling, Elliptical Trainer. The right pick depends on your training goal, available equipment, and experience level.
How did you choose these machine exercises?
We curated this shortlist using muscle-targeting data, equipment tags, movement type, and difficulty so the page reflects practical training intent.
Should beginners start with every exercise in this machine list?
No. Start with the exercises that match your current technique, mobility, and equipment access, then progress as your form and strength improve.