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Best Beginner Workouts With Weight Machines To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

This beginner-friendly workout utilizes weight machines to introduce users to essential movement patterns with added stability, ensuring safety and learning.

Machines are specifically designed for controlled movements, focusing on targeted muscle groups.

To help tone and get lean, the session combines minimal weight with higher repetitions, keeping the heart rate elevated to promote fat burning and calorie expenditure while maintaining muscle mass.

Beginners with less than one year of experience will find these exercises approachable yet effective.

Weight adjustments are made to focus on form, and exercise intensity can be tailored to individual needs.

This workout is an excellent step toward achieving your fitness goals.

The 15 Best Beginner Exercises with Weight Machines to Get Lean and Burn Fat

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Glute Kickback Machine

    Glute Kickback Machine demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,405,344
    Glutes Strength
    99 mScore
    Glutes
    Photo of Glute Kickback Machine
    Glute Kickback Machine

    The Glute Kickback Machine helps strengthen your glutes using a machine for added resistance. This exercise gives you better control and stability while allowing you to focus on the movement without worrying about balancing.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your chest against the padding and hold the handles.
    2. Balance on one leg and place the other foot on the pedal.
    3. Push your leg back while squeezing your glutes.
    4. Hold briefly at the back, then slowly return to start.
    5. Switch legs and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 2. Leg Extension

    Leg Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    5,383,971
    Quadriceps Strength
    100 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Leg Extension Machine
    Leg Extension Machine

    Leg Extensions are a great exercise for strengthening your quadriceps muscles. Using a machine, this exercise helps you focus on your leg muscles while providing stability. However, be cautious as it can put stress on your knees, so use light weights and control your movements.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the leg extension machine with your back supported.
    2. Bend your knees to a 90-degree angle with your lower legs resting on the machine.
    3. Hold the handles for support.
    4. Straighten your legs upwards until they are level with your thighs.
    5. Lower your legs back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 3. Lying Hamstrings Curl

    Lying Hamstrings Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,368,667
    Hamstrings Strength
    97 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Leg Curl Machine
    Leg Curl Machine

    The Lying Hamstring Curl is an exercise that focuses on strengthening the hamstrings using a machine. It is effective for building muscle and strength in the lower body, while providing stability throughout the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down on the hamstring curl machine with the pad above your ankles.
    2. Hold the handles and engage your core to stay stable.
    3. Bend your knees to lift the pad up.
    4. Lower the pad back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 4. Smith Machine Squat

    Smith Machine Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    848,693
    Quadriceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Squat is a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on building strength in your thighs. The Smith Machine provides stability, helping you learn proper squat form while targeting your lower body muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Set the Smith machine bar just below shoulder height and grip it outside shoulder-width.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and tighten your core for stability.
    3. Position yourself under the bar and unhook it by squatting down slightly.
    4. Stand up straight with the bar on your upper back.
    5. Squat down by pushing your hips back and keeping your chest upright.
    6. Ensure your knees move slightly outward as you lower down to parallel or just below it.
    7. Push back up to the starting position to complete the squat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 5. Seated Back Extension

    Seated Back Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    2,071,881
    Lower Back Strength
    98 mScore
    Lower Back
    Photo of Back Extension Machine
    Back Extension Machine

    The Seated Back Extension machine strengthens your lower back, glutes, and hamstrings safely. It helps improve posture and stability while allowing you to adjust resistance for your level.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the back extension machine with your feet on the footrests.
    2. Position the pad below your shoulder blades and hold the handles with palms facing in.
    3. Tighten your core to keep your back straight as you lean back and lower the pad in a smooth arc.
    4. Extend your hips until your torso is in line with your thighs, then return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    85lbs
    2
    8reps
    85lbs
    3
    8reps
    85lbs
  • 6. Hack Squat

    Hack Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    904,236
    Quadriceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Hack Squat Machine
    Hack Squat Machine

    The Hack Squat is a machine-based exercise that helps strengthen your quadriceps. It provides more stability and control than traditional squats with free weights, making it beginner-friendly.

    How to do it

    1. Step into the Hack Squat machine with your shoulders under the pads.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Keep your knees slightly bent and lower into a squat by pushing your hips back.
    4. Ensure your knees track outward and slightly forward, keeping your core tight.
    5. When your thighs reach 90 degrees, push through your heels to return to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the set number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    60lbs
    2
    8reps
    60lbs
    3
    8reps
    60lbs
  • 7. Machine Bench Press

    Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,758,222
    Chest Strength
    68 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Bench Press Machine
    Bench Press Machine

    The Machine Bench Press is a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It uses a fixed range of motion, making it easier to focus on pushing rather than balancing.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the machine with your shoulders squeezed together and feet flat on the ground.
    2. Ensure your back is in contact with the machine all the way from your head to your butt.
    3. Hold the handles with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles up until your arms are fully extended at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 8. Machine Fly

    Machine Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,127,998
    Chest Strength
    97 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Fly Machine
    Fly Machine

    The Machine Fly is an exercise that targets your chest and works your shoulders. It uses a machine for stability, making it easier for beginners to learn the movement safely and effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the fly machine with your shoulder blades squeezed together and feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart.
    2. Ensure your back is against the pad, keeping contact with your head, shoulders, and butt.
    3. Engage your core to maintain a neutral spine position.
    4. Hold the handles with palms facing forward.
    5. With slightly bent elbows, move your arms in a wide arc to bring the handles together.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 9. Machine Lateral Raise

    Machine Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    561,098
    Shoulders Strength
    92 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Shrug Machine
    Shoulder Shrug Machine

    The Machine Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise done on a machine that provides support and stability. It helps you focus on strengthening your shoulders in a controlled way.

    How to do it

    1. Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Keep your chest up and back straight.
    3. Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
    4. Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 10. Machine Leg Press

    Machine Leg Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,842,456
    Quadriceps Strength
    98 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Leg Press Machine
    Leg Press Machine

    The Machine Leg Press is a strength exercise that targets the quadriceps and helps build muscle. It is performed using a leg press machine, which supports your body as you push weight with your legs.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the leg press machine with your back against the pad.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform, heels just below your knees.
    3. Hold the brace bars and tighten your core to keep your back and shoulders against the pad.
    4. Push the platform away by extending your legs without fully locking your knees.
    5. Slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    80lbs
    2
    8reps
    80lbs
    3
    8reps
    80lbs
  • 11. Machine Shoulder Press

    Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,196,498
    Shoulders Strength
    94 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Press Machine
    Shoulder Press Machine

    The Machine Shoulder Press is a safe and effective exercise that targets your shoulders using a machine. It helps you build strength while providing stability, making it ideal for beginners to learn the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
    3. Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 12. Machine Bicep Curl

    Machine Bicep Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,286,734
    Biceps Strength
    94 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Bicep Curl Machine
    Bicep Curl Machine

    The Machine Bicep Curl is an exercise that strengthens the biceps using a fixed machine. It provides stability, allowing you to focus on your workout without worrying about balance.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the bicep curl machine and rest your arms on the pads.
    2. Grab the handles with an underhand grip.
    3. With your arms parallel to your shoulders, bend your elbows to lift the handles while keeping your upper arms on the pads.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position after they touch your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 13. Machine Preacher Curl

    Machine Preacher Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,100,200
    Biceps Strength
    83 mScore
    Biceps
    Photo of Preacher Curl Machine
    Preacher Curl Machine

    The Machine Preacher Curl is a simple exercise that helps strengthen your biceps. Using the preacher curl machine keeps your elbows stable, allowing you to focus on lifting the weight effectively for better results.

    How to do it

    1. Sit down in the preacher curl machine and press your chest against the pad.
    2. Grab the handles with an underhand grip, extending your arms over the pad.
    3. Keep your upper arms against the pad and curl the handles toward your biceps by bending your elbows.
    4. Lower the handles back to the starting position once your forearms touch your biceps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 14. Machine Tricep Dip

    Machine Tricep Dip demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,285,047
    Triceps Strength
    89 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Tricep Dip Machine
    Tricep Dip Machine

    Machine Tricep Dips are a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps using a machine. The machine provides stability, making it easier to concentrate on the movement without worrying about balance. This exercise is ideal for building muscle and preparing for bodyweight dips.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the tricep dip machine, pressing your lower back and shoulders against the back pad.
    2. Grab the handles with your palms facing in and elbows bent at 90 degrees.
    3. Keep your elbows close to your body and extend your arms.
    4. Slowly return to the starting position by bending your elbows.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    55lbs
    2
    8reps
    55lbs
    3
    8reps
    55lbs
  • 15. Machine Tricep Extension

    Machine Tricep Extension demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,118,041
    Triceps Strength
    95 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Triceps Extension Machine
    Triceps Extension Machine

    The Machine Tricep Extension is an exercise that focuses on strengthening your triceps. Using a machine helps stabilize your movement, ensuring that only your triceps are engaged while keeping your elbows steady against the pad.

    How to do it

    1. Sit up straight in the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Grab the handles with your palms facing in (neutral grip).
    3. Keep your upper arms parallel in front of your shoulders.
    4. Extend your elbows to lower the handles, keeping your upper arms on the pad.
    5. Before fully extending your elbows, return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs

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Alternative Beginner Workouts with Weight Machines