Multigym machine

glineli

Hi

I had cruciate reconstruction a few backs. Now i am in the process of building up the quads again. The physio recommends doing leg press and leg curls at the gym but i aint a member of a gym.

I was looking at some home multigym machines. I came across this one, http://www.lifestylesports.com/aspx/productdetail.aspx?pid=1717&loc=P&catid=5.5

Does this machine look ok or what would be a decent machine?

I also found this one
http://www.buy4now.ie/elverys/aspx/productdetail.aspx?pid=1500&loc=P&catid=9.5

Can squats replace ths leg press if i was to get one of these?

thanks

Colm_OReilly

Squats are infinitely better than leg press and hamstring curls. Do them instead.

Hanley

Alot of knee problems are caused by weak hamstrings. I'm sure your physio already told you this. By just training your quads you're probably just more likely to increase your risk of another injury. Talk to your physio about it.

A good exercise to do with minimal equipment are band leg curls http://asp.elitefts.com/qa/default.asp?qid=33906&tid=101 (you can do them sinlge or double legged).

Hanley

Colm_OReilly wrote: »

Squats are infinitely better than leg press and hamstring curls. Do them instead.

I'm not sure how good an idea it is to tell a guy who has jsut had knee surgery to squat... I think this is one of the rare situations where it's a better build up the muscles that have atrophied first and ensure that they've at least got the ability to stablise the joint before risking it.

glineli

It was a hamstring graft i got. I had the tendon graft done before but that had given way.

Are those weight benches decent or a waste of money??

Colm_OReilly

He's been advised to build the leg back up, as he's working leg curls and leg extensions (hams and quads, loosely)

Would it not be a better idea to build the leg up using a natural, repeated movement that done corrected places proportional stress on the posterior and anterior chains?

Leg presses and hamstring curls are not specific enough exercises to be really addressing any one area that's deficient - so it's more likely he's just weak in his leg.

I'm not suggesting attempting new 5RM each workout, but surely something like 3 sets of 15-20 air squats, then moving on to light back squats once adopted would be a good way of building up strength.

glineli

Yes i need to build up the quads. So squats would do the job then, great!!

Just gotta get the bench and some plates now!!!

rubadub

Best ask your physio if squats are OK.