All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

From crazy names (crossover cable what?)

Image may contain Exercise Working Out Sports Sport and Fitness

to questionable positions (am I supposed to face away from the machine or towards it?)

navigating the gym by yourself can be nerve-wracking.

For pull-ups, take any grip that’s comfortable–overhand or underhand is fine.

Image may contain Exercise Working Out Sports Sport Fitness and Gym

Step carefully onto the lever, feet facing towards the machine, and straighten your whole body.

Keep your abs very tight and lift your chest upwards until your head is between your hands.

Pull your shoulders back (don’t let them roll forward as you descend!)

Image may contain Exercise Fitness Sports Working Out Sport Gas Pump Pump Machine and Gym

and lower your body until your triceps are parallel to the floor.

ensure to press your hips down firmly to keep the tension in the hamstrings, not the lower back.

[Bonus alert: it’s also been one of the exercises linked tocoregasms.

Let your feet dangle.

Slowly lower them back down, keeping your abs tight.

Perform sets of 10-30.Tip:Fold a towel and place it between your lower back and the chair.

If it stays firmly in place, you’re doing a good job.

That means it’s time to stop the exercise, and try another one, like plank.

Press your arms straight out, so that your arms are perpendicular to the cable.

Maintain perfect posture, even as the cable tries to pull and twist your upper body.

Return the handle straight to your sternum to complete one rep. Do a set of 10-15 with challenging weight.

And always, when in doubt, consult a fitness professional for instruction.

Get SELF on youriPadandKindle Fire!