posted Wed, 12/15/2021 - 13:42
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+ 2 Free Weights Or Machines
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I have always stuck with free weights. I believe in the big basic exercises. Never been interested in the machine/isolation stuff. But I gave machines a shot, and I didn't mind them at all. I mean, it just isn't the same as a heavy barbell. But, I did drop sets, probably a 5-6 set drop, and zeroed in on rep performance. I stick with as heavy a weight as I can handle, and about 5-6 reps a set. I gotta say, the machines used this way aren't bad!
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Wouldn't know how to find it now but years ago I was reading about a study that came to the conclusion machines (the right ones) are actually more effective for hypertrophy while free weights are better for overall strength and functionality. It was a long yet logical explanation why.
PropheticWookieRather, the reason is in the segmented study of certain muscles. But at the same time, free weights give a good impetus to the growth of muscle groups, and simulators, this is their isolation and separation.
Both free weights and machines are beneficial.
In general, weight machines are a great tool for beginners, as they teach proper form and reduce the risk of injury.
Free weights, on the other hand, allow you to work more muscles and promote functional fitness.
PropheticWookieI absolutely agree, it is better for beginners to start with simulators in order to master the technique
I think if your serious you use both, cable work and Smith machines are amazing for establishing control I think. I used to overlook the importance of form and control.
Free weights for ego lifting cause everyone is watching women included
Machines for the mind muscle connection cause noone can see or knows how much weight your using they just see you squeeze the shit out and focus on the muscle
I think both machines and free weights have benefits and times when they are most appropriate. It is based on your personal preference, your physical fitness level, your fitness goals and your access to equipment. For me personally, I prefer using machines when working out because it is easier for me to maneuver and get stronger.
PropheticWookieThat's right, it all depends on the tasks. And again, free weights or machines are a tool to achieve the goal. And the tool must be used effectively. There are many ways to achieve goals.
Free weights and and then cables to pump blood into the muscles
Machines for negatif reps and dropsets
PropheticWookieVery good approach to training. Sounds good.
OGJuggernautYes
PropheticWookieI like to work in static mode with free weights. When the time under load increases, my muscles start to burn like hell and it seems to me that this helps me a lot in my progress.
I prefer both
Machines or free weights, I personally dont think it matters much. I prefer to include both in my training. In bodybuilding, I like machines or cables better for most exercises. This is due to the stretch and contraction on machines or cables. The resistance throughout the exercise is useful.
I see some people use bands for variable resistance which is a good idea to use with free weights. Overall, I do not think it matters too much as long as you are training with intensity, eating right, and resting properly.
Free weights are the best but if you are over 50 like me I used 80% machines 20% free weights to prevent any injury.
agree, if you older you should use more machines and prevent injury, younger me can go all in with free weights and nothing
PropheticWookieIn general, I agree with you, but of course it also depends on the tasks. You can perfectly progress both using free weights training and working only in simulators. A question of correct application and design of a training program and recovery
PropheticWookieI agree that at age it is better to transfer the emphasis to simulators. Simulators are also good when training is in the nature of rehabilitation after injuries or operations.
PropheticWookieI usually start my workout with free weights and then finish off the target muscle groups with isolation. I tried to work out without free weights, I didn't even want to go to the gym)
Typically I do to. If time is light I stay with free weights. I'm using more machines right now because they are so easy to do drop sets on.
PropheticWookieYes, in general. when time is a little agree. I also sometimes leave free weights for exercise machines
PropheticWookieI think the simulators are good for beginners who have just come and have not yet mastered the technique of working with free weights. And so it all depends on the tasks. In powerlifting, the whole emphasis on basic fitness exercises is more of simulators. One complements the other
That happed to me long time ago,try lil pump high reps on the warm up,before go heavy, and 3 seconds on the negatives,that make me feel sore next days again
Yeah, I try to shoot for a good 3 second negative. Also decided to stick mainly with drop sets. I thought about using rest-pause, but doing drop sets are so easy on a machine.
Tempo make alot different,every body is different,pay attention to your body, study it, see what works best for you, although the body adapts in 2 months maximum the same routine, I only change the order of exercises, why change something that works for you
BodybuilderZeppBoth. Why not start free weight, then do machines, and finish with isolation. The best benefits I get from machines are mind muscle connection and targeting contractions in a specific muscles. You can really focus on the squeeze without worrying about the form because your in a set path.
Sniper123This sounds like good advice
PropheticWookieThis is a very good option. And I like it too. But lately I tire the muscle first on the simulators. And then I work with free weights. It also works great
AnonI'm not sure what I'm reading.
I guess when you say "rep performance" you mean increased time under tension per rep. I'd be doing more reps on those last sets. 5-6 reps is not enough for every set, imo you're lifting too heavy if you can't do more reps on those last sets. But really I don't know what you're talking about. I think you used a translator and just want karma after joining yesterday.
No, I didn't use a translator. When I say rep performance, I mean how you do a rep. You've seen dudes toss the bar up, and then hardly control it on the way down? That's bad rep performance. What I mean, and you're right, it will increase TUT, is explosive up and slow down. So, maybe 2 seconds up, 4-6 seconds down. You've got good form, and the target muscles do all the work. That's what I mean by rep performance. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I also did drop sets. No rest between, just 5-6 reps which was when I hit failure, drop the weight 10lbs, and keep going. So in total, I did 25-30 reps, all one long set.You know sometimes when you're a newbie to a forum, you're not sure what to post first. I saw other posts of dudes sharing their approach to working out, so I did the same.
PropheticWookieAnd I like to read how people train and share experiences and feelings. Sometimes I emphasize something for myself.
Maximum hypertrophy has been shown to occur with a TUT of 40-80 sec so try and target that. I usually shoot for 8-12 reps with a 4-0-1-0 tempo. Get that set in first and then do your drops after that. When doing drop sets I get the main set in and then 4 drops afterwards aiming for 4-6 reps on the drops with about a 20% reduction in weight each drop.
PropheticWookieOh thanks. need to try. Sounds cool and effective
I like the sound of that, Bro.
AnonOk. Proper form and TUT are already things.
I'm not gonna start using your term "rep performance"
You don't need to at all, Bro. It's just a term I picked up a few years ago. For me, it summarizes everything I need to know about doing a rep. But, it's not like anyone else has to look at it like that.
Nothing like feeling hardcore throwing free weights around but honestly if you’re trying to build muscle safely machines are the way to go.
Cables are unbeatable.
PropheticWookieFree weights are drive and emotion. This is when you need to let your inner beast go for a walk. And the simulators, yes, this is isolation and the work of a point construction of the body
LOVE Cables!
Feeling that contraction
Yeah, that's what I'm going for.
RustyhookerMy other gym...chain gym....has the seated cables for flys. Seats tilted slightly back. Omg...awesome pumps! I should hit that place more often just for the different variations that gym has with cables
Hit 6 sets of different various of flys is killer. I saw saw the most development in my chest doing that. I had to drag the bench from one side of the gym to the other each time but it was worth it.
RustyhookerIm gonna get to the other gym more. That sounds like a good plan to me!!
RustyhookerAll the equiptment has a use and purpose. If you dont change up the workouts to shock the system you will stagnate.
Yeah, that's why I'm thinkin I might mix in some free weights. I gotta say, I like the feel of a Olympic bar in my hands.
RustyhookerIt will feel odd switching....outta the comfort zone. But the changes in angle, tension etc....adds fun to what we do plus youll see it in the mirror.
That is exactly what machines are made for, to isolate the muscle. Ignoring machines is like training with 1arm tied behind your back. If you have access to them, use them.
Harder to injure yourself on too.