For all of those who think real men don't use machines

[calidood]

So I'm reading a thread and some guy is talking about how "only p***ies use machines. Real men use free weights." I've seen this plenty of times but I'm finally tired of it. I just wanted to bring up a point. Does anyone here know who was the man who really made these machines so popular? He invented God knows how many machines. And this guy was no p***y. His name was Arthur Jones. He flew planes during WWII, after which he started catching wild animals for a living to sell to zoos and what not (including gorillas, gators, snakes, etc). While living in Rhodesia he was bitten by animals, shot twice, and axed. That's right, I said AXED! But he just kept on going. He didn't live there because he had too. He lived there because he wanted to. He wasn't going to let some stupid civil wars tell him where he could or couldn't live. He is the man responsible for nautilus and MedX. His sons are the creators of hammer strength, bowflex, soloflex, all that. I suggest you read up about this guy (he has an autobiography) and rethink your idea of what a p***y is. Cause this guy was probably tougher than any person on this board. I can almost guarantee it. He created these workout machines that "only p***ies use." If a real man created it, a real man can use it. The only p***y is the guy who doesn't take advantage of a good thing because he's afraid people will make fun of him and he'll be emasculated. I'm not saying everyone should go out and do a workout using nothing but machines. I know I don't. I only use a couple machines here and there. But machines have advantages over free weights sometimes. It's time to be a man. Do what's best for your body, not best for your ego.

 

[ozarkaBRAND]

I avoid machines because they're generally not as effective as free weights. I use the cables though, they come in handy for a handful of things.

 

[calidood]

I avoid machines because they're generally not as effective as free weights. I use the cables though, they come in handy for a handful of things.

I would say I agree with this, to an extent. However, I HAVE put on muscle with machines and I think machines definitely have their place in bodybuilding.

 

[geronimo542]

I personally use machines here and there. If you dont wanna worry about stabilizing yourself say then with a machine u can really load on the weight which is good. Im not saying to totally rely on machines either also sometimes the angles of certain machines to me anyways hits your muscle better than weights do but I do like both the key is to keep your muscles guessing

 

[Joshua86]

There's a time and place for machines in the gym. Now if you're into powerlifting, machines may not be your best bet, but if you're bodybuilding, you can't throw machines out the window so easily. They're especially useful for people wanting to rehab an injury, because it allows you to work against resistance along a set path, rather than working against the resistance of gravity when working with free weights. But you can use that to your advantage as well, even if you're not rehabing from an injury. So if a machine only allows you to work against resistance along a set path, you have to figure out where that can be used to your advantage in your workouts. There are many machines that I feel are necessary for total muscle development: leg extensions, leg curls, hack squats, machine pullovers, cable exercises. Whoever says machines are useless is a moron.

So you can't automatically knock every machine. The trick is to use the equipment to your advantage. Machines shouldn't take up the majority of your workout though; I'd say no more than 1/4 of your exercises should be on machines.

 

[crazilyfter42]

Machines are fine to use. Anyone who tells you otherwise has no clue what they are talking about. But I dont feel machines should be the basis of someones program. Freeweights should be the staple with machines thrown in around them.

 

[Irish Cannon]

I use dem der machines.

 

[MrSquat]

Machines are fine. Mass building exercises are the compound movements but machines are good for isolation. The biggest problem with machines is friction and that makes the negative part of the movement easier than the positive. I did a set on a machine with so much friction once that the stack stayed at the top after the positive. That was a fun negative

The stabilizers used during free weight movements amount to nothing more than extra calories burned (and not many). The extra energy used by the stabilizers is energy that could be better used by the muscles being trained. The stabilizers are not receiving enough stimulation to cause growth so sometimes it isn't worth using them. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Joshua86]

The stabilizers used during free weight movements amount to nothing more than extra calories burned (and not many). The extra energy used by the stabilizers is energy that could be better used by the muscles being trained. The stabilizers are not receiving enough stimulation to cause growth so sometimes it isn't worth using them. Just my 2 cents.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that...

Stabilizing muscles contract to balance the body in respect to the lift you're performing. To perform certain lifts, to allow the targeted muscles to perform the lift, certain muscles have to contract to balance the body, to allow it perform the lift. Though these stabilizing muscles don't go through a full range of motion, which is generally the point, they do contract isometrically. These muscles aren't directly involved in lifting the weight, but they do stabilize the body. Sometimes the muscles that are used to stabilize a certain lift, might be muscles you are going to work on the next day. These muscles might be muscles you never actually work directly, but they are still important nonetheless.

There are good reasons why you'd want the body to have to stabilize the weight. First of all, muscles used for stabilizing the body during a certain lift do receive enough stimulating for muscle growth. Why do people advocate the use of squats and deadlifts so much? It's because lifts such as these require the body to stabilize itself (to the maximum), calling in numerous muscle groups to help stabilize the body. The squat and deadlift are strongly recommended in your program if you're trying to gain maximum strength and mass because the lifts themselves require numerous muscle groups to work to their maximum effort, and many more muscles are forced to isometrically contract to help stabilize the body to perform the lift.

Also, you want to strengthen your stabilizing muscles because without strong stabilizing muscles, you won't be able to lift as much weight in your regular lifts. This even goes outside the gym, concerning functional strength. Machines force your muscles to have to work against a resistance along a certain path. The muscles are set into a certain angle, therefore the movements are always super strict. Now although sometimes this can be used to your advantage, for the most part, it goes against what your main goal should be; to strengthen and develop your muscles from as many angles as possible, so that you activate and stimulate the maximum amount of muscle fibers. So when you work outside this range that you've been accustomed to resisting, you strength will drastically reduced, since your muscles won't be accustomed to that movement. So though you might be strong on certain machines, along certain set paths, you might find lifting a couch more difficult that it should be. This idea remains as the gym as well. If you tried to do certain lifts, such as a squat, a pressing movement, or a deadlift, and you haven't trained your stabilizing muscles, then you're not going to be able to lift a large amount of weight, i can promise you that.

So stabilizing muscles are more important to us than we usually give them credit for. I'm sure there are other good reasons why you'd want to have strong, developed stabilizing muscles. I can't imagine being able to achieve your maximum developmental potential without full working every muscle group to the fullest.

 

[MrSquat]

First of all, muscles used for stabilizing the body during a certain lift do receive enough stimulating for muscle growth.

Show some proof of this please. Besides, if they did then there is no growth stimulation on the target muscles. Please explain how two different muscles with different fiber types and orientations can both receive a stimulation causing growth from the same movement.

Why do people advocate the use of squats and deadlifts so much? It's because lifts such as these require the body to stabilize itself (to the maximum), calling in numerous muscle groups to help stabilize the body.

Numerous muscles are used yes but they are not recommended because they use stabilizers. They are recommended for the reason you mentioned. They are compound movements that use more than one muscle and IMO compound movements are for mass not isolation movements.

I can't imagine being able to achieve your maximum developmental potential without full working every muscle group to the fullest.

And as you apparently know there are certain machine movements that can't be duplicated with free weights so why are you obviously anti-machine?

 

[nemo]

Machines are a necessary evil from time to time,... therefore, are my friends!!!

 

[flobot]

Exactly..If I'm doing 4 sets of something, I'll do 3 sets free weights and finish off with a set on a machine at much heavier weight.

I personally use machines here and there. If you dont wanna worry about stabilizing yourself say then with a machine u can really load on the weight which is good. Im not saying to totally rely on machines either also sometimes the angles of certain machines to me anyways hits your muscle better than weights do but I do like both the key is to keep your muscles guessing

 

[Joshua86]

Machines can be used for your benefit, of course. Earlier in this thread I stated my opinion on the benefits of certain exercise machines. I'm in no way knocking machines! That last post I made was in reply to you, concerning stabilizing muscles.

But as far as my post about stabilizing muscles, I'm pretty sure I'm right on. So sure in fact, that I don't find it necessary to have to site that information. So you can do your own research if you want. For the most part, anything I say on these boards is going to be something I've learned through reading (from a credible source) or experience, rather than me just pulling something out of my butt because it sounds good. But know that I'm not trying to argue a point with you, I'm just stating the facts. Peace, my friend...

 

[MrSquat]

But as far as my post about stabilizing muscles, I'm pretty sure I'm right. So sure in fact, that I don't find it necessary to have to site that information.

IOW, you can't support your opinion with facts and the only reason for your post was to "prove" the facts I posted wrong based on nothing more than your opinion. Gotcha...and I understand you have a PhD in broscience.

 

[Joshua86]

IOW, you can't support your opinion with facts and the only reason for your post was to "prove" the facts I posted wrong based on nothing more than your opinion. Gotcha...and I understand you have a PhD in broscience.

Concerning the importance of building strength in your stabilizing muscles:
How to Weight Train for Maximum Muscle Gain
Understanding So-Called Stabilizer Muscles >> Medical Questions, Weight Loss, Pregnancy, Drugs, Health Insurance

Concerning the squat and the deadlift, and the importance of stabilizing muscles:
Bodybuilding.com - Charles Ridgely - Exercise Of The Week: Barbell Squats!
Bodybuilding.com - David Robson - Deadlifts: The King Of Mass-Builders?
** These two very important lifts can not be duplicated with machines.


It didn't take me very long to find these articles...

 

[geronimo542]

also another thing is you can really load the crap outta machines with weight and not have to worry about stabilizing the weight just man up and push that heavy weight but be careful not to get too accustomed to the machines cause you def need those stabilizer muscles when lifting or doin anything

 

[MrSquat]

Concerning the importance of building strength in your stabilizing muscles:
How to Weight Train for Maximum Muscle Gain
Understanding So-Called Stabilizer Muscles >> Medical Questions, Weight Loss, Pregnancy, Drugs, Health Insurance

Concerning the squat and the deadlift, and the importance of stabilizing muscles:
Bodybuilding.com - Charles Ridgely - Exercise Of The Week: Barbell Squats!
Bodybuilding.com - David Robson - Deadlifts: The King Of Mass-Builders?
** These two very important lifts can not be duplicated with machines.


It didn't take me very long to find these articles...

Now please show me exactly where those articles say that the stabilizers receive growth stimulus from a movement that is designed to stimulate growth in another muscle with a different distribution and orientation of muscle fibers. I thank you for linking to articles but since I didn't say free weights were useless I don't follow your choice since that isn't what I said.

 

[Joshua86]

Now please show me exactly where those articles say that the stabilizers receive growth stimulus from a movement that is designed to stimulate growth in another muscle with a different distribution and orientation of muscle fibers

I sort of get where you're going with that question, but... Yeah...

The more muscles you use to help perform a lift, the more overload you're going to create, therefore you're going to induce more hypertrophy. You won't necessarily create enough overload to induce hypertrophy in those said stabilizer muscles (whatever they may be), but you will strengthen and develop them. This is why big, heavy compound lifts, that target so many muscles to come into play, are the best exercises for maximum mass and strength gains. I can't get any clearer than that. Did you even read those articles?

And anyway, I've made my point, and this is going to be my last post in this thread, which I think has already served it's purpose.

Peace

 

[MrSquat]

You won't necessarily create enough overload to induce hypertrophy in those said stabilizer muscles (whatever they may be), but you will strengthen and develop them.

Not that you may not stimulate growth in the stabilizers, you won't.

This is why big, heavy compound lifts, that target so many muscles to come into play, are the best exercises for maximum mass and strength gains.

Yes, big compound lifts build mass as I said but it is not in the stabilizers The stabilizers in one movement are the primary lifters in another movement and it is that that causes the growth not any movement where they are stabilizers.

Did you even read those articles?

Yes and only one claims there is growth in the stabilizers yet it has no citation for the authors opinion.

Peace

What?! no have a good workout

:squat::dl:

 

[ShakesAllDay]

The stabilizers used during free weight movements amount to nothing more than extra calories burned (and not many). The extra energy used by the stabilizers is energy that could be better used by the muscles being trained. The stabilizers are not receiving enough stimulation to cause growth so sometimes it isn't worth using them. Just my 2 cents.

Interesting thought. What if a person's stabilizing muscles fatigued before the primary movers? I would assume this would provide stimulation for growth, at least until the secondary muscles caught up with the primary.

Thoughts, anyone?

 

[calidood]

Interesting thought. What if a person's stabilizing muscles fatigued before the primary movers? I would assume this would provide stimulation for growth, at least until the secondary muscles caught up with the primary.

Thoughts, anyone?

Interesting. What I think about that, is what if they ALWAYS die out first? And what's the difference if you use them or not? I know they will allow more weight. Obviously that's true. So a good combo of the both I believe would be good. In any case, bodybuilding is all about tricking your body into thinking it's lifting heavy weights. Because even if you're lifting HUGE weights, your body won't grow as well if you don't properly manipulate your training style. So if you use machines, you don't have to worry about all that. Man I'm tired and I don't think I made any sense. I'll look at this again tomorrow and try to make it worded better.

I

 

[Zero V]

I CANNOT use a machine for my biceps, feels too ineffective. However I can use them for lat/triceps every once in awhile. I made huge progress with my lats because of machines.

Machines are good if you are unsure of how to properly do an excersize with free weights at that moment, a machine will save you injury and pain.

Machines are good if you have an injured area.

Machines are good for hitting them weird spots sometimes.

While nothing gets me pumped and feeling good like free weights(which compose 80% of my lifting) Machines find their use, mostly with my legs considering the tendinitis that still lingers though I can run and lift again, I am leary of it...

Squats are scary for me....though I use a smith machine, a leg press in an emergency with my ankle, I can just let er go.....

Thinking of giving in and getting cortisone shots.... course not feeling the pain might be a bad thing....

Eh, every person has their own method. I have seen people get huge not ever going into a gym....(basic training for the marines, army [airforce doesnt count LOL, losers], and extreme personal resistance training) though they do reach lower limits in their growth without hitting the weights. So what if someone uses a machine?

My only issue with machines is you dont hit the muscles that help you stabilize the weight. you are getting more done with free weight.

Now at my gym, with 3 benches, and plenty of idiots, sometimes a machine is my only option to finish up and get out on time.

 

[Rick28]

They both have their place. Free weights should make up the bulk of your workout though.

 

[Hashi Mashi]

My experience is that when I used machines only, I was never able to get under 250lbs nor under a 48" waist. I struggled for a long time till I starting doing deadlifts and squats, which were terrifying to me at first since I have a tear in my medial meniscus. Nevertheless, over the course of ten months, I lost 75lbs with what I think is the miraculous power of deadlifts and squats. I think machines would be a great addition but for me, it was not until using free weights for deadlifts and squats that I ever saw and major body transformation.

 

[Rocket3015]

As you get older the machines become a necessary evil. But I do believe the way to build a good solid base is free weights.

 

[kisaj]

Give me a bar and rack all day.

And I 100% support more of these threads. More people need to start using machines.

 

[Young Gotti]

machines are great tools to a training routine....your stabilizer muscles could only handle so much so when they start to fatigue, it doesn't mean the muscle itself has received enough stimuli then the machine lets you still hit the meat of the muscle...use machines at the end of a workout to get the most out of your workout

 

[fuseven]

Ive never been a big machine guy...but over the last few months ive been lifting from home and have cancelled the ole gym membership

During this time ive come to realize machines were very useful for when u wanted to add more work (leg ext, leg curls, back extension, etc...) for 15 min at the end of a session but didnt have the energy for complex complex lifts. Working from home with the basics only im starting to miss things like that


They certainly have their place, but arent for building programs around

 

[NurseGray]

I used to love lifting on machines when I had a gym membership. Since I lift at home I have had to become a MacGyver with the barbell. Its good though more stabilization.

 

[asooneyeonig]

keep in mind i did not read any of the previous posts.

here is one viewpoint of machines, they are like supplements. just like supplements, they supplement what you are doing. so if what you are doing sucks, you are adding suckage on top. they are good at filling in holes or bringing up weaknesses. once the hole is filed or the weakness is now a strength that machine for that purpose is no longer needed.

 

[QUADMONSTER]

Machines are great for those people who are having a hard time increasing their weight on exercises such as one arm preacher curls.

 

[Rocket3015]

I sometimes will warm up on machines when a muscle or joint does just not "Feel Right"

 

[QuinoaSucks]

No problem with machines but just because a BA created something as a business venture doesn't mean the creation is BA.

You think George Foreman knows sh1t about cooking?

 

[Rocket3015]

No problem with machines but just because a BA created something as a business venture doesn't mean the creation is BA.

You think George Foreman knows sh1t about cooking?

Good Point !

 

[Wrivest]

Here's my 2 cents:
To say machines have no place in the industry is narrow minded. It all comes down to goals and comfort.
If you are a newb who just wants to get in better shape, machines will help.
Now I'm no body builder, so correct me if I'm wrong. But if a BB has a body part that is lacking, I think a machine that isolates said body part can also be beneficial.
On the flip side: if you are a power lifter it Strongman competitor, I see no benefit to machines for you, as you need whole body strength and stability at all times to excel.
Sorry if this has all already been said, I didn't read this while thread

 

[Rocket3015]

Here's my 2 cents:
To say machines have no place in the industry is narrow minded. It all comes down to goals and comfort.
If you are a newb who just wants to get in better shape, machines will help.
Now I'm no body builder, so correct me if I'm wrong. But if a BB has a body part that is lacking, I think a machine that isolates said body part can also be beneficial.
On the flip side: if you are a power lifter it Strongman competitor, I see no benefit to machines for you, as you need whole body strength and stability at all times to excel.
Sorry if this has all already been said, I didn't read this while thread

Even powerlifters need to work auxiliary muscles.

 

[Wrivest]

Even powerlifters need to work auxiliary muscles.

true, but all that I know do so without machines.
Never said they didn't work "auxiliary muscles"

 

[Young Gotti]

true, but all that I know do so without machines.
Never said they didn't work "auxiliary muscles"

none? I don't subscribe to powerlifting but the ones I do know personally still at least use the hamstring curl machines....even if it is just for warming up

 

[Wrivest]

none? I don't subscribe to powerlifting but the ones I do know personally still at least use the hamstring curl machines....even if it is just for warming up

I would be willing to bet it's an occasional thing, but rare. Again, this is just from what I've seen/done.

 

[asooneyeonig]

Even powerlifters need to work auxiliary muscles.

that is what specialty bars and variations of the main lifts do for you.

 

[kisaj]

I know a lot of power lifters and none would have a need for machines. In fact, no very strong person I know (including myself thank you very much) has a need for machines. They are fine, but a crutch overall- IMO.

 

[NattyForLife]

Leg press=machine=great leg exercise=great legs! That about sums it up!

 

[kisaj]

That is one machine I can get behind.

 

[alexoc949]

you don't have to choose one or the other. you're working out the muscle, whatever it takes.. i use both in that quest

 

[asooneyeonig]

Leg press=machine=great leg exercise=great legs! That about sums it up!

Dr Stuart McGill has shown that the leg press is a great way to damage the spine. That is enough for me to never use it again.

Sure, you can say some great bodybuilder once used it. I can also reply that I knew a guy that lived to be over a 100 and smoked cigarettes every day since he was 15, but I'm still not going to smoke cigarettes.

 

[kisaj]

While I agree with 99% of your posts Ozzie, we can find a way that people can injure themselves on anything. I've never met or heard of a single person with a spine injury due to doing leg press.

 

[NattyForLife]

Dr Stuart McGill has shown that the leg press is a great way to damage the spine. That is enough for me to never use it again. Sure, you can say some great bodybuilder once used it. I can also reply that I knew a guy that lived to be over a 100 and smoked cigarettes every day since he was 15, but I'm still not going to smoke cigarettes.

With bad form deadlift and squat can damage the spine.

 

[asooneyeonig]

With bad form deadlift and squat can damage the spine.

I already covered that response in mine.

Also, squats and deads done right can strengthen the spine. You can't say the same for leg press.

But hey, if it is your only option or you are going to do them well cause you can or whatever go ahead. That's the great thing about a forum, it's full of opinions sprinkled with facts.

 

[Rocket3015]

" it's full of opinions sprinkled with facts"

I like that !

 

[mountainman33]

During my PT days I did run into a few clients with previous injuries from leg press. From the 45 degree press though, not the "Cybex" machine style. But they were lower back issues, not spinal. But from my experience training novice and experinced lifters, it was horrible form trying to get full range of motion. We've all seen it too, the person trying to get their knees to there chest and rotating their hips off the back pad to do so. I think that's where a lot of the issies originate from.