First Weights session

beerfoamy

Ok so, would like some opinions.

Had my first session on weights machines last night with trainer. As you can see below – I have yet to learn the proper names for the machines!

Did the following after 5mins on cross trainer to warm up:

4 sets, 15reps each set
Leg press 50kg
Biceps and back machine (2 sets at 20kg, then he upped me to 25kg for the last 2 as I was ‘talking too easily’)

4 sets, 10 reps each set
Pec dec machine 10kg (then trainer pushed me to do some on 20kg and I managed 3! haha)
Shoulder press (with 2 different hand positions) 10kg

2 sets, 15reps
Hamstring curls 15kg for 2, then down to 10kg (my left hamstring is sooooo weak, could feel it giving up after 2 sets)

I was wondering if the weight machines were ‘better’ or ‘worse’ (or even the same – am complete newbie) than free weights – or are they the same thing?
Is the phrase lifting applicable to workouts using the machines? Am I giving myself a decent workout on the machines vs free weights?

As I say, after some opinions to reassure myself that I a) can do this routine a few times a week for a couple of weeks, then maybe up the weights or focus on specific areas more and b) am not ‘wasting’ my time on a routine that could be better using free weights.

Having said that, I do feel good this morning, with just the hint of ‘yes, you used muscles and they hurt, so stop it!’

Think I may be overthinking, but yeah, any thoughts and advice appreciated

p.s also, why do all gym machines look like bondage equipment for soul removal!?

jessef593

First off. What are your goals? And secondly if you're looking for functional strength and fitness. Then no machines are not the best choice for you. A lifting program consisting of squats, deadlifts, rows, bench press, and over head press would be much better for you. I'm kind of curious as to why this trainer is having you do machine movements but none of the big compound lifts. I get the feeling that it might be due to the fact that it's "easier" to teach someone a fixed machine movement compared to something technical like a deadlift

beerfoamy

Ok cool. Thanks for that!

What is the meaning of 'functional strength and fitness' - is that just general health and mobility?
I haven't thought much about goals beyond improving muscle/not losing as much muscle while I lose the 4 stone I have to go. And I like the definition I have currently and would like it to improve - especially in arms.

I did get the feeling he was doing the easy option and I may go have a word with another trainer who I know specialises in free weights (I thought 'strength training' covered it).

Just poor knowledge and communication with trainer on my part I think - ah well, live and learn

I do squats, dead lifts, rows, bench press and over head press in Body Pump, may just take the instructor (my mate heh) from that to spot me in the free weights and do lower reps than in the class with heavier bar.

megan_elizabeth8

At the end of the day, do what makes you comfortable and what you'll keep doing. I started with machines, with the goal of simply becoming a little stronger and maintaining general health. Yes starting with machines was "easier" in a lot of ways for me, which was a benefit as it was a place for me to start and build a base of strength without becoming overwhelmed. As a result I fell in love with lifting, and eventually moved on to mostly using free weights. Do I think free weights are more beneficial and efficient than machines? Yes, for most purposes. However machines do have their place and you're definitely not wasting your time working out with machines - it still beats doing nothing at all. And remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to do things... different things work best for different people

ISO905

Sounds like you are doing wonderfully. If you worked with a trainer then I assume you spoke to him about your goals, your past workout history, your likes and dislikes and so so on and given this information, your trainer decided to start you out on machines. Machines are a GREAT way to start lifting if you are new to all this as it helps maintain good form while trying to learn new exercises. Good for you! I'm sure as you progress, your trainer will move you more towards dumbbells and other movement patterns.

"functional fitness" is a new-ish buzzword that refers to exercise that is transferable to the "real world" For instance, think of the full body movement squat-curl to overhead press. That movement pattern in the gym translates to real life movement you would experience every day---picking up a box and putting it on a shelf

Sounds like you are having fun so keep up the good work----you are doing just fine!