results with machines not free weights?

KathrynCummings1
KathrynCummings1 Posts: 21 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello I am currently doing machines rather than free weights as I have a problem with my neck so I dont want to jump into doing bar bell quats in first few months.Also I know that technique is so important with barbells etc to avoid injury and the instructors at our gym only do private personal training programmes which I cant afford so staying safe with machines . Do you think people ill get good results with a programme with machines for fat loss muscle building

Replies

  • Yi5hedr3
    Yi5hedr3 Posts: 2,696 Member
    Sure - either will work. I do some of each. :)
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Yes. Especially as a beginner, you can do just fine with machines. You need to follow the same principles of a progressive resistance program as someone doing free weights. There are some benefits to doing free standing exercises, so you might be able to still include some exercises such as step ups or goblet squats that don't put weight on your upper body, but allow you to still work on form. But don't let anyone make you feel like you are not doing "real" weight lifting if you stick to machines.
  • bathmatt12345
    bathmatt12345 Posts: 145 Member
    I would look here and get your form down http://exrx.net/Exercise.html, best ref I know. Then have someone video you so you can see if you are tracking properly in the knees, have flat back, ...

    http://exrx.net/WeightExercises/Quadriceps/BBSquat.html
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    edited March 2016
    Nothing wrong with machines. You however are cutting out stabilizer muscles. Which can affect overall strength. You have to work around any medical issues though, so do what you can for now.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    personally , i would stay away from machines as much as you can. you will become too dependent on them and fail to learn proper the lifting form and techniques which will benefit you in every day life That is one of the big reasons to strength train in the first place, to learn to use our bodies properly. You dont get that from machines. thats my two cents.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    But don't let anyone make you feel like you are not doing "real" weight lifting if you stick to machines.

    We can try though.. B)

    In addition to goblet squats and step-ups, other possible alternatives include dumbbell split squats, and Romanian deadlifts.

    Of course, get clearance from your doctor before doing any strength training. :+1:
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    Azdak wrote: »
    Yes. Especially as a beginner, you can do just fine with machines. You need to follow the same principles of a progressive resistance program as someone doing free weights. There are some benefits to doing free standing exercises, so you might be able to still include some exercises such as step ups or goblet squats that don't put weight on your upper body, but allow you to still work on form. But don't let anyone make you feel like you are not doing "real" weight lifting if you stick to machines.

    This.

    As someone new to resistance training with some medical issues, no reason not to use machines. With that said, you should strive to learn free weight movements, and incorporate them into your training to the point they make up the great majority of your workout.

    Best of luck.
  • Panda_Poptarts
    Panda_Poptarts Posts: 971 Member
    I'm a newbie and want to eventually graduate to free weights. I started on machines, and have seen my overall strength and muscle tone increase, based on appearance (I have a tiny bicep I can FLEX!) and the weight I can lift/pull/push. I progressed from stationary machines to cable machines and kettlebells, and hope to eventually make my way to free weights.

    I think you'll absolutely make progress. Slow and steady!

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