What Trainers Really Think About The Buzzy DB Method Workout Machine

Even once you’re fully vaccinated and your gym is back to near-capacity, you might want to keep working out at home. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a fancy piece of home gym equipment, there are countless to choose from. Though there are treadmills, spin bikes, and rowers galore, it’s also worth investigating The DB Method reviews to see if the sleeker contraption is a fit.

If you’ve never heard of this particular fitness equipment, that’s because it’s only been around since 2016. Soon after it launched, it became a Kardashian-fave workout essential — Kim was such a fan she even gifted the machine to each of her sisters. Essentially, it lives up to its nickname of being all about your bum: The DB Method is a sort of squat-assisting piece of equipment that targets the glute muscles for a stronger backside.

Looking to level up your at-home butt workouts? Read on for everything you need to know about The DB Method — including what fitness trainers really think of it.

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What Is The DB Method Machine?

According to the brand, The DB Method guides you through the general motion of a squat, and works by “[shifting] your body weight into the glutes to tone, tighten, and lift your booty.” Because it’s meant for home use, it’s foldable, adjustable, and designed to give you “a full-body workout for maximum results in minimum time.”

It’s all about the squat, aka one of the most fundamental glute-strengthening exercises you can do. Basically, you sit on a padded seat and hold the handles as you bend up and down — it looks kind of like half of a seesaw. It shifts a lot of the squatting work from your lower body to your upper body, which can make you feel more stable sinking into a deep range of motion than you might feel confident going into without assistance. It has a 250-pound user weight limit and sells for $229.

What Are The Benefits Of The DB Method Machine?

The DB Method Machine, like other exercise machines, has some serious advantages for folks who are living with chronic pain, rehabbing injuries, or trying to give themselves some inspiration and guidance. “Someone who is looking to begin squatting after injury, or who lives with chronic pain, could benefit from the use of The DB Method Machine since it is a controlled motion and you have the ability to offset load with your upper body,” says Alex Moreno, an NCSF-certified personal trainer at Blink Fitness Baldwin.

If you’ve got painful joints or need to ease your body into deeper ranges of motion, exercise machines like this one can be helpful. “When set up properly, machines help to avoid injury by taking pressure off the joints,” Moreno explains. Since you’re planting your feet as with a regular squat and you’re offsetting the weight by using your upper body to help keep you stable, your movements can be extremely low-impact. “Specifically to The DB Method Machine, it takes the pressure off the knees and back so it’s easy on the joints,” Moreno says. “This allows you to train a muscle group that is potentially weaker in a safe and controlled manner.”

What Are The Drawbacks Of The DB Method Machine?

If your goal is to incorporate intense exercises into your routine or do heavy lifting, the machine may not be what you’re looking for. “For those looking to develop explosive plyometric power, the motor patterns of The DB Method will not directly translate into that goal,” says Adam Swartz, chief fitness officer of the brand and certified IART fitness clinician. “For serious power-lifters or athletes looking to develop speed, agility, and quickness, this piece of equipment isn’t a replacement for their sport-specific training abilities.”

And, though the machine will help those new to the squat get comfortable with proper form and glute activation, The DB Method won’t incorporate as much full-body stability as you would when doing exercises off of a piece of equipment, says Katie Kollath, an ACE-certified personal trainer and the co-founder of Barpath Fitness. She recommends doing bodyweight movements with full ranges of motion and progressions as needed if stability is your goal.

Should You Get The DB Method Machine?

Whatever home gym equipment you decide to invest in — whether that’s a simple yoga mat or The DB Method machine — make sure it’s in line with your goals and what you think will make you the most comfortable with your workout routine.

“Machines typically have a lower barrier to entry because people feel more comfortable so they can be a jump start to fitness, but they are not as efficient or nearly as beneficial as the full range of motion [you get from] bodyweight movements,” Kollath says. So really, your decision is based on where your priorities are with your fitness game and what you’re going to feel most confident doing.

Experts:

Alex Moreno, NCSF-certified personal trainer at Blink Fitness Baldwin

Katie Kollath, ACE-certified personal trainer, co-founder of Barpath Fitness

Adam Swartz, chief fitness officer of the brand and certified IART fitness clinician