Question about a machine

I was talking to someone the other day about doing weights on machines versus free weights. It lead to a discussion about that one machine where you lay on your stomach and push the weight up with your foot. I can't remember what it's called. It's supposed to target your glutes. I've always kind of thought it was a pointless movement but he said that he did it when he was into swimming since it would help with that. Does anyone think performing that exercise would help with one's swimming ability?
 
I'm 99% sure you're referring to the leg curl machine. This is a single chain movement that hard-targets the hamstrings and glutes. I actually use it myself because it is one of the few dynamic isolation movements for your hamstrings. Most other hamstring activities (SLDL for example) pivot at the hip, while the curl pivots at the knee. I think there is a benefit in it for swimmers, as it will develop strong hamstrings which in turn will lead to a powerful kick.
 
I think she is referring to the "butt blaster" type of machine which pivots at the hip with the knee bent:



I think you can get much better glute activation along with more complete rear chain activation (hamstrings, spinal errectors, glutes, etc.) with many other movements: power cleans, dead lift, ATG squats, SLDL, RDL, good mornings, glute-ham raise, full ROM leg press, hyperextensions...
 
Yep, that looks exactly like what she was describing and nope, I've never seen one of those.
 
I'm 99% sure you're referring to the leg curl machine. This is a single chain movement that hard-targets the hamstrings and glutes. I actually use it myself because it is one of the few dynamic isolation movements for your hamstrings. Most other hamstring activities (SLDL for example) pivot at the hip, while the curl pivots at the knee. I think there is a benefit in it for swimmers, as it will develop strong hamstrings which in turn will lead to a powerful kick.

It also hits the calfs.
 
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