Why Do Machines Suck?

[Oxide]

First few sets on a compound exercise. Then iso what you need on the machines.

Doesn't everyone do this?!


My chest has trouble growing just on bench, so I have added cable flies V pulls and may be will look to the bench press machine to isolate it more.

 

[cuzza]

Wouldn't say they suck ...

Here's the comparison:

Guy A trains with machines for 5 years.

Guy B trains (same exercises) with freeweights for 5 years.

Guy B will be bigger and stronger generally.

Stronger at what though? Strength is relative. Guy A will be stronger at using the machines than Guy B will. This is not to say I disagree with you, but you know what I mean.

The whole ''stabilisers'' and ''functional muscle'' thing to me is ridiculous. If I can do the whole stack of a leg extension machine, then my quads are stronger - end of; therefore, I can run faster, squat more, etc.

The whole ''anti-machines'' thing is overblown. If a person works hard, he will grow and become stronger even if he uses machines. Many people do not do squats and deadlifts... Kevin Levrone for example, rarely used them. A lot of people find they can stimulate their muscles better using machines, leg presses over squats are a big example, and that isn't just people being too wimpish to squat.

Machines have a big place in training.

 

[CarlitosWay]

Stronger at what though? Strength is relative. Guy A will be stronger at using the machines than Guy B will. This is not to say I disagree with you, but you know what I mean.

The whole ''stabilisers'' and ''functional muscle'' thing to me is ridiculous. If I can do the whole stack of a leg extension machine, then my quads are stronger - end of; therefore, I can run faster, squat more, etc.

The whole ''anti-machines'' thing is overblown. If a person works hard, he will grow and become stronger even if he uses machines. Many people do not do squats and deadlifts... Kevin Levrone for example, rarely used them. A lot of people find they can stimulate their muscles better using machines, leg presses over squats are a big example, and that isn't just people being too wimpish to squat.

Machines have a big place in training.

Yeah if I had it my way I'd have a room with a power rack and a whole bunch of nice nautilus machines/hammer strength machines. Why? Cause I'd use them all and wreck **** all day on them bad boys.

A lot of people get the holier than thou attitude when it comes to free weights vs machines. Why? Throwing an iron bar with plates on each end on your back and lifting it up and down isn't that natural of a movement at all, lifting a heavy stone off the ground would be more so. So what's the point if you use a machines here or there instead? They compliment each other very well when used correctly