Does anybody have any valid and reliable research that machines don’t use stabilizing musculature? ADVERTISEMENT 582 viewsFebruary 19, 2013 0 Chris0 February 19, 2013 0 Comments Why is it I can barely breathe while doing something like an elbow extension (triceps) if my stabilizing core muscles are not working? 6 Answers ActiveVotedNewestOldest 0 Chris0 Posted 0 Comments Bryant, yes, I was saying my abdominals were acting in a stabilizing role even in a machine. In fact, isolation is impossible. There is stabilizer and neutralizer activity regardless of the tool used. You are viewing 1 out of 6 answers, click here to view all answers. Register or Login