In our previous series, we walked you through the usage, biomechanics, and ergonomics of the TRUE Palladium Series Chest Press and Shoulder Press. We’re continuing to show you how these selectorized pieces are anything but basic in this blog series with the TRUE Palladium Lat Pulldown and Leg Press machines.
Upper-Body Pull And Lower-Body Push
In this blog, we’re focusing on the biomechanics of the TRUE Palladium Lat Pulldown, an upper-body pull machine, and the Leg Press which is a lower-body push machine.
TRUE Palladium Lat Pulldown
Biomechanics Features:
- Arms diverge at 17.5 degrees per side resulting in full articulation of the shoulder complex.
- The arms are unilateral to allow independent work, especially if one side is weaker than the other.
- The strength curve on all Palladium machines is set to give you resistance where you need it and to taper it off when you are weakest. This is so you can complete a full range of motion with proper muscle recruitment.
Trainer Tip:
- Adjust the seat so, at the bottom position, the arms of the machine are parallel to the ground. The seat height adjustment guide located at the top of the weight stack tower will put you in the correct setting.
- Adjust the thigh pad so it sits on top of the thigh or slightly above it.
- For maximum lat involvement, your hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width at the bottom position of the pulldown.
- As you pull, drive your shoulder blades down and in – don’t shrug and overuse your upper traps.
- Finish the movement by retracting your mid and low traps along with the rhomboids.
- Engage your core to maintain a strong and stable posture.
TRUE Palladium Leg Press
Biomechanics Features:
- The 4-position oversized footplate adjusts through 15 degrees allowing for a variety of foot placements while maintaining a neutral ankle position.
- The 5 position back pad with gas cylinder assist adjusts through 20 degrees allowing users to determine the range of motion best suited to their individual needs.
- 9 position seat assembly adjusts easily from the seated position and travels at a 20-degree angle for a proper line of force throughout the exercise.
Trainer Tip:
- Focus on the footplate.
- A more upright angle or setting #3-4 will emphasize the glutes.
- A slanted angle setting of #1-2 will emphasize the quads. Somewhere in the middle will hit both areas.
- Other reasons for the adjustable footplate – individual comfort for the user, especially if you have mobility restrictions in the foot or ankle and just need that slight adjustment to make it feel more comfortable.
- Keep the low back and head neck neutral throughout the movement and never lock your knees out.
Workout
To utilize these machines to target functional muscle groups in your next training session, stick to the basics and use the TRUE Palladium Lat Pulldown and Leg Press with this workout:
Lat Pulldown: 4×12 (Perform each rep with proper form before increasing weight)
Leg Press: 4×8 (Continuously perform each rep. Lower the footplate for a 3-count, then immediately return to the top. Use a weight that is challenging and perform each rep with proper form before increasing the weight)
For more information about the Palladium Lat Pulldown, Leg Press, or the entire Palladium series line, visit us at www.truefitness.com.
*Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. Please stop exercising immediately if you are experiencing pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, sickness, or any other discomfort*