The rotary torso machineThe development of a strong and powerful mid section is a priority for many weight trainers. The quest for a 6 pack of abdominal muscles has many trainers crunching their way to abdominal fatigue. Less often worked, but equally important for core torso power, are the side abdominal muscles, the obliques.
Proper development of the obliques is essential for correct bodily proportion and upper body strength, and the rotary torso machine is an excellent machine for increasing the resistance while training the obliques. Every comprehensive gym needs to provide an effective machine for the isolation and development of the obliques.
Golfers particularly will be interested in the training of the obliques as part of a core torso power routine.
The machine is designed for a professional gym, and the heavy gauge steel construction and quality mechanisms will offer years of reliable and durable service in the busiest of professional gyms.
Muscles worked by the rotary torso machine
The rotary torso machine will develop the side abdominal muscles, the obliques. The rectus abdominal muscles, or central abs, will also benefit as secondary muscles during the exercise.
Appearance and dimensions of the rotary torso machine
The rotary torso machine is constructed with heavy gauge steel in grey, and thick pads in orange. All mechanisms and pulley systems are of the highest quality, and will provide years of maintenance free service.
The seat is adjustable for correct positioning and the weight stack is adjustable through a variable pinioning system. The user seats facing the weight stack in the machine, and stabilizes their position with the two thigh leg restraints. The weight is moved by the torso via two chest level hand grips.
The dimensions of the rotary torso machine are 107 cm x 67 cm x 105 cm, and the weight of the rotary torso machine is 80 kg.
How to use the rotary torso machine
The rotary torso machine is very user friendly, and the correct techniques can be mastered by even novice users quickly. The machine offers a range of available weight that will keep the exercise challenging and rewarding for even the most experienced trainer at any gym.
The first step is to select the amount of weight to be moved, and insert the steel pin into the correct slot under the desired number of weight plates to be moved.
Adjust the seat so that the inner thigh restraints are comfortably at the level of the seated thigh, and sit on the bench facing the weight stack. Grasp the handles firmly, and tighten the muscles of the lower back and abdominals. By tightening these muscles you will ensure correct straight backed form as you complete the muscle movement.
Swing your body as far to the right as is comfortable, and pause for a moment at the outer range of extension, and give your abs and obliques a concerted clenching; slowly and smoothly swing to the left, and proceed as far as is comfortable, and again clench your abs and obliques.
Correct straight backed form and a slow and controlled motion are essential, and if you cannot perform the movement with a slow and controlled form, then you should decrease the weight. Good form with less weight will always produce better results than heavier weights and poor form.
Do not rest in the center of the range of motion, as this will remove the strain off of the obliques, and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.
Incorrect from can lead to injury
The rotary torso machine is a very safe machine, and the exercise can be performed without the need for a spotter or assistant.
You should ensure that you are well stretched and warmed up prior to attempting the exercise with demanding weight levels. Approaching the exercise with “cold” muscles, can lead to a muscle strain or muscle tear. An abdominal or oblique strain or tear will be very painful, will likely reduce mobility, and thus should be avoided.
A good way to ensure that you are properly warm prior to attempting heavy weights is to perform an initial set with very light weight.
You should not attempt heavy weights for the first few training sessions, as you will likely be very sore as your body grows accustomed to the new muscle movement.
Variable techniques for the rotary torso machine
The rotary torso machine is a very effective isolator of the oblique muscles, but does not allow for any variation in the muscle movement.
You can vary the results achieved by altering the amount of weight lifted, and number of repetitions performed. If your training goal is to develop increased muscle strength and size, you should perform fewer repetitions with an increased total weight; and if your goal is to shape and tone, you should perform a greater number of repetitions with a reduced total weight.
You can increase the aerobic benefit of your abdominal region training by alternating between opposite exercises. An exercise like the rotary torso that works the abs and obliques, could be alternated with an exercise like the back hyperextension, which works the lower back. By alternating quickly between opposite types of muscle movements, you will increase the cardio benefit of a work out, as well as increase the efficiency of a limited time duration work out session.
Why you should consider the rotary torso machine
The rotary torso machine is an excellent device for the isolation and strengthening of the obliques and abs. The development of the obliques is vital for correct bodily proportion and muscular development, and as such no comprehensive gym is complete without a rotary torso machine.
The machine can be used safely without the need for a spotter or assistant, and the machine is very user friendly. Beginner trainers will quickly master the correct techniques, but the machine offers a range of available weight that will keep it challenging for even the most experienced trainer at any gym.
The rotary torso machine is composed of heavy steel framing, and quality mechanisms, and will offer years of durability and reliability.