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Best Workouts With Weight Machines To Build Muscle Mass For Women

About

Weight machines are specialized pieces of equipment designed to target specific muscle movements, providing stability that enhances safety and focus during exercises.

Workouts centered around building muscle mass, known as hypertrophy training, typically combine compound and isolation movements to engage multiple and specific muscle groups, respectively.

For women, effective strength exercises can be tailored to individual abilities while generally considering a height of 5 feet 5 inches, a weight of 140 pounds, and an age of 34 years.

Repetition ranges and selected weights prioritize balanced muscle growth and controlled progression, aligning with the goal of building strength and mass.

Incorporating diverse machine-based exercises ensures steady improvement while minimizing the risk of injury and maximizing the benefits.

The 15 Best Exercises with Weight Machines to Build Muscle Mass for Women

Ranked By

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

  • 1. 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
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 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
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 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
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 4. Machine Row

    Machine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,784,270
    Back Strength
    97 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Row Machine
    Row Machine

    The Machine Row is a great exercise for working on your back muscles. Using a machine helps you maintain stability and control, making it perfect for beginners to practice the seated row technique.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the row machine with your chest against the support pad.
    2. Grab the handles with an overhand or neutral grip.
    3. Tighten your core to keep your back straight.
    4. Pull the handles towards your torso by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Slowly return the handles to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 5. Seated Leg Curl

    Seated Leg Curl demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    3,535,105
    Hamstrings Strength
    99 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Leg Curl Machine
    Leg Curl Machine

    The Seated Leg Curl is a machine exercise that focuses on strengthening the hamstrings. It helps build muscle mass by isolating these muscles, making it a good choice for lower body workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the leg curl machine.
    2. Adjust the top pad to sit just above your knees and the lower pad to rest on your ankles.
    3. Hold the machine handles for support.
    4. Bend your knees to pull your heels down in an arc.
    5. Return to the starting position once you can no longer flex your knees.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 6. Smith Machine Bench Press

    Smith Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    922,042
    Chest Strength
    66 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Bench Press is a chest exercise that works your triceps and shoulders too. The Smith Machine helps keep the movement steady, making it easier to focus on properly performing the exercise.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together.
    2. Make sure your head, shoulders, and butt stay on the bench.
    3. Place your feet flat on the ground and keep your knees bent.
    4. Position the bar over your chest, holding it just outside shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    5. Engage your core and unhook the bar, lowering it slowly towards your chest while keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    6. Touch your chest gently with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 7. Smith Machine Bent Over Row

    Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    865,614
    Back Strength
    87 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Bent Over Row is an exercise that targets the back muscles using a Smith Machine for added stability. It helps beginners improve their form and strength while performing the row movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bar at knee height.
    2. Engage your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to reach for the bar.
    3. Grab the bar with palms facing you.
    4. Lift the bar by bending your elbows to bring it to your belly button level.
    5. Lower the bar back to knee height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 8. Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

    Smith Machine Incline Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    747,394
    Chest Strength
    92 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is a chest exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability, making it ideal for beginners who want to focus on their form and strength without worrying about balance.

    How to do it

    1. Set the bench at a 40-60 degree incline and lie back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    2. Plant your feet firmly on the ground beneath your knees and keep your back in contact with the bench.
    3. Position the Smith machine bar over your chest with a shoulder-width grip and keep your core tight.
    4. Unhook the bar and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Touch the bar gently to your chest, then press it back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 9. 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
  • 10. 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
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 11. 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
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 12. 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
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 13. 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
  • 14. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 15. Machine Squat

    Machine Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    201,655
    Quadriceps Strength
    84 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Squat Machine
    Squat Machine

    Machine Squats are a type of squat that use a machine for added stability, targeting your thighs, buttocks, and hamstrings. This exercise helps you build strength and muscle in your lower body while ensuring proper form.

    How to do it

    1. Stand in the machine with pads on your shoulders.
    2. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, angled slightly outward on the platform.
    3. Keep your weight balanced on your feet.
    4. Lower your body by bending your knees, ensuring they point outward and slightly forward.
    5. Descend until your lower back stays against the pad, then push back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs

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Alternative Workouts with Weight Machines to Build Muscle Mass