@lurkerhasarisen you're an exception. Generally speaking, machines suck. They force bad form.
Plus, there are some muscles you just can’t work using free weights. Hamstrings, for instance.
Deadlifts. RDLs. Sumo squats . Leg curls (simple hinge doesn't do the work for you, so isn't what I'd consider a "machine"). Lunges. All the variations on DLs and lunges.
Everyone is at a different point of their journey,
Have you got any good resource on machines?
Just yesterday found out I better quit all stuff that makes me to hold my breath. Being all free weights with decent weight on a barbell.
I use a mix of free weights and machines even now. Everyone is at a different point of their journey, and everyone has different issues, so I try to not be critical of what anyone else is doing to get stronger. A person using only machines with a couple of plates three days a week is still doing more than 80% of the population.
I prefer machines for most of my upper body work because I have wonky shoulder joints, so if my form isn’t nearly perfect for some lifts I run the risk of seriously injuring myself. If I get weight over my head and my humerus starts to pop out unexpectedly (which happens more often than you’d think even at relatively low weights) it becomes impossible to maintain proper form. I’m much safer being on a machine that allows me to safely release the load than with a bar that I have to maintain control over all the way to the floor.
I’ve never had a full separation at the GHJ, but that’s because I make a point of not getting into positions where I have to choose between dropping a bunch of iron on my head or ripping a major tendon. When I feel the joint start to slip I know to stop pushing.
Plus, there are some muscles you just can’t work using free weights. Hamstrings, for instance.
Read MoreThere's a few reasons I have people jump on machines first. Forum is somewhat forced on you to be semi correct, allowing you to focus more on keeping a tight core and lowering the weight in a controlled manner. It's easier for noobs and helps create a foundation to build off of.
Safer to push your max reps, especially if you don't have a spotter.
Typically only run machines for four weeks before transitioning over.
They serve their purpose.
I'll do what I do with everyone and run them strictly on machines to start before transitioning over to free weights.
Machines suck. Just go straight to free weights and skip the gayness.
She basically wants us to go at the same time, do our own thing. Then get together for yoga and the suana afterwards before going home to fuck the rabbits.
I'm happy to oblige, even if she does want to start lifting. I'll do what I do with everyone and run them strictly on machines to start before transitioning over to free weights.
@Kloi Give it a whirl, see how it goes. I had a rule against training with women but broke it for a woman I coached and dated and it went ok. We didn't train on the same equipment together but lifted at the same time, and she hit some decent numbers in meets at 123. Not ripped like these female bodybuilders but very curvaceous. Loved yanking her shorts down after workouts.
@Kloi a few things:
A) be careful not to fall into the oneitis trap, no matter how awesome she's being in any particular moment
B) yoga is good stuff. Highly recommend, as long as you stick to the physical stuff and avoid the Hindu spiritual mumbo-jumbo.
C) this is off-topic for this tribe! Have some vcards.
@Kloi Falling in love can be transformational for men. Its one reason why going MGTOW or PUA too hard or too early in life deprives a man of growth. You want to grow for and with her and a good woman can really open up your experience. Just have to be careful not to go so far that you stop being yourself. Life is never about hard and fast things, balance is the key and those who shout about hard and fast rules lose out on a lot.
Damn it. This new girl is such a pleasant change of pace.
Made it a habit of not dragging people in general along to my dailies. She asked if she could tag along to the Y multiple times this month. I use to go every morning before work with my Mother before her accident. Today she got her own pass.
Told me she's only coming to hit the hot tub/sauna. I keep finding her on the the treadmill half way through my workout. Then hitting the machines and stretching.
Typically I'm not one for changing up my routine for anyone, let alone a woman but she's expressed interest in lifting once she's off work.
I very well may quit hitting the gym in the morning to hit it with her at night. Plus she'll drag my ass into the yoga classes when we're done. That's something I've been looking at for the past year or two, never pulling the trigger.
Read More