Weight Machines

The Most Popular Machines in Most Gyms

This weeks top 5 list is about the top is about the Top 5 Worst Weight Machines.

This brings up an interesting topic about the long debate amongst gym goers;  Free weights vs. machines?

This is also a highly debated topic amongst personal trainers, namely the functional vs. traditional personal trainers as well.

Many people will say that personal trainers simply do not like machines because their simplicity takes away the client’s “need” for a personal trainer.

Only considering the average gym goer here are a couple of answers regarding free weights and machines.

Why Machines?

Machines are easier for beginners to use because there are usually only a couple adjustments.  The controlled motion takes away much of the potential for injury.  Machines use resistance (weights) which are lifted against gravity which improve muscular strength, endurance and can change body composition.

Why Free Weights?

Free weights are far better because of their functional training benefits, which increases the physical performance of the human body.  Free weights are far more versatile and can help someone achieve better results in strength and body composition related goals compared to free weights, espeicially with proper form and instruction.

Most Personal Trainers Recognize the Superiority of Free Weights over Weight Machines

The old way to train clients (10 years ago when I first started), I remember was to start off clients on the machines and progress them to free weights.  This made sense at the time when my knowledge about the human body and training response was limited.

After a BS in exercise science and my NASM personal training certification I learned that the old way to train clients was not only not the best way, but the wrong way.

Free weights will always be superior to weight machines for the beginning of a training program for healthy clients.  Since the first month of the training program causes primarily neurological adaptations, using free weights are optimal for developing proper movement patterns.

In this case, starting a weight training program with weight machines will probably lead to lack of core, and stabilization as well as possible muscle imbalances.

Selectorized cable weight machines make up a bulk of the gym equipment in any fitness center.  Before anyone makes a choice on which equipment to use they should realize the following.

Every Gym has Many Weight Machines for 2 Reasons

One of the Best Weight Machine to Avoid

1.  Most importantly for the average gym which makes its money off members (a large percentage who pay monthly dues without attending) a good number of weight machines looks good for prospective members.

People looking to join the gym will see the sea of gym equipment and slap their credit card on the counter thinking a ton of equipment means definite results.

2.  Secondly, weight machines can be an integral part of any exercise program.  They require less know how than free weights and present less danger with misuse as opposed to free weights.

This being said, the more weight machines at the gym and the more weight machines you use does not necessarily mean you will get better results.

A personal trainer is always the best way to go if it is affordable for a beginner, novice, and even expert personal trainer, athlete or bodybuilder to get the best results and make the best choices during an workout routine.