Research Corner - Q&A Torso Twist Machine by Noah Hittner | Date Released : 18 Nov 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: There is a dinosaur torso twist machine at my gym that is chronically broken down. I have never liked to train clients on this machine, or variations of it, at other clubs in the past. I would like to get rid of the piece, which may result in a witch hunt (the piece is VERY popular). What do the experts have to say on this exercise? Is there any real benefit that would ever outweigh the risks? What are the body weight, free weight and free motion alternatives? Answer: First of all, and this probably goes without saying, any piece of equipment (i.e., free weights, dumbbells, tubing, balance devices) can be harmful if used improperly. Often times, a particular piece or brand gets a bad review in one of the various fitness magazines out there, for various reasons, and the next thing you know, you're told it's bad for you or you'll get hurt if you use it. The question we should be asking is, "What's the goal?" Many statements made by professionals today get put through the telephone game and then get blown completely out of context. To prevent this, we as fitness professionals must work hard to become "masters" of the sciences of our craft (i.e., biomechanics, functional anatomy, etc.), so we are able to make our own decisions based upon the science. That being said, I'm going to identify some of the positives, negatives and alternatives to using this type of machine. POSITIVES: Fixed uniplanar equipment is primarily good for one main purpose: hypertrophy. If this is the goal of the exercise, then it will definitely help do the trick, assuming it is performed correctly (this is a big assumption with the average health club member). There may also be some seated postural benefits here, as the client must be cued to perfect posture in order to perform the exercise safely. Since most of the population sits for several hours of the day, it may be very beneficial to teach them "how to sit" and move correctly while doing so. Addressing the TRANSVERSE plane of motion is inherently a good thing, although, we can come up with better methods below. NEGATIVES: The goal here is to increase the functional strength levels of the spine and trunk (i.e. CORE), than there are better alternatives. When training in an isolated, uniplanar, artificially stabilized environment the kinetic chain in not being prepared to deal with imposed demands of normal daily activities (walking up/down stairs, getting groceries out of the trunk, etc.). Training integrated, functional movement patterns targets synergistic muscles to produce force, reduce force and dynamically stabilize in all three planes of motion. This creates maximal motor unit recruitment, which facilitates a greater overall training response. What this means in this situation is that in real life, the trunk does not rotate in isolation and certainly not in separation from the lower/upper extremities (depending on which model of torso rotation you use). Therefore, the strength you've created on this machine will administer virtually no functional carry over to your real world/performance environment. (Although, you will most certainly become stronger at machine torso rotation!). Spinal rotation is quite often times restricted with the average club member. The lower extremity-mobile version of these machines may take the average unaware user into extreme eccentric passive ROMs. This repetitive stress to the facet joints of the spine will certainly not aid the client/member in gaining strength. Maintaining neutral spine while loading rotating is critical. A deviation out of neutral (particularly into lumbar flexion), due to poor core strength in combination with repetitive loading over time could prove disastrous. The posterior lateral aspect of the disk is described as structurally the weakest. For this reason the most vulnerable position for the disks can often be that of flexion combined with rotation. Flexion of the spine in standing has been said to decrease disk integrity by 50 percent. Adding rotation to flexion decreases disk integrity by another 25 percent. This is a total of 75 percent reduction of disk integrity during combined flexion and rotation. A seated position places 30 to 40 percent more pressure on the intervertebral disk than a comparable standing position. This is not suggesting that we never train in flexion/rotation OR seated for that matter. (If this was the case, how would anyone ever function, let alone "work out?") It does suggest that we treat these situations/positions as load specific and that we as professionals know our clients capabilities through proper assessment. ALTERNATIVES To effectively train the core in the transverse plane, one may need to begin with more static transverse plane stability and be progressed to more transitional dynamic rotational exercises. Here are a few examples of progressions: PROGRESSION #1: Prone Iso Abs Prone Iso Abs with Hip Extension Prone Iso Abs with Side Kick Push up with Rotation PROGRESSION #2: 4 Point TVA Trainer 4 Point TVA Trainer with Hip Extension 4 Point TVA Trainer with Contralateral Hip Extension/Shoulder Flexion on SB 4 Point TVA Trainer with Ipsilateral Hip Extension/Shoulder Flexion PROGRESSION #3: Stability Ball DB Chest Press Stability Ball DB Alternating Arm Chest Press Stability Ball DB One Arm Chest Press Stability Ball DB One Arm Chest Press with Rotation OTHER EXERCISES: Seated Rotation on Ball with Dowel Supine Twist on Ball with MB Standing Cable Rotation Standing FreeMotion Push/Pull Remember, keep everything in context! REFERENCES: Purvis, Tom (2000). Resistance Training Specialist Manual Back to top About the author: Noah Hittner In his time in the health and fitness industry, Noah Hittner worked with a wide range of clientele—from the high school athlete to the senior citizen. This experience, in great part, still inspires his work today. Now, years past his days as a fitness professional, Noah has turned his focus to writing and music. His books and songs explore the process of human consciousness and the quest for personal freedom. Noah now approaches his work, as well as his life, with self-honesty as his first intention and his top priority. It is with this intention in mind that he aims to connect with the lives of as many people as possible in an inspiring and empowering way. Noah's books include The Modern-Day Buddha, Beyond Victim and Villain, and Something to Give Back. 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