What machines at the gym have gave you the best results?

amyswanx06

Which machine has gave you the best result? What do you do on it? Any tips? Was it easy at first? End goal/result?

HoneyBadger302

That's a really, really, really broad question....

SonyaCele

you will get the best results from a program, it may or may not include machines. Check out some of the popular programs and pick one you like.

sardelsa

I don't think I can attribute my results to any machine.

Instead I will ask.. what kind of results are you hoping to achieve? What are your goals?

sijomial

Which machine has gave you the best result?
WattbikePro indoor training bike with power meter.

What do you do on it?
My winter general cycle training and also the more technical cycle training.

Any tips?
Beyond the bland "you only get out what you put in" statement without knowing your goals that would be a little pointless. So I guess my tip would be to have a serious think about your goals.

Was it easy at first?
No.
Still isn't easy because my goals move upwards with increased abilities.

End goal/result?
Fitter, faster, higher FTP, better weight management in winter, improve fitness levels in winter whereas I used to have declining fitness.

lorrpb

There are no magic machines in my gym. As long as I do an appropriate full body workout , I get the best results from the machines and exercises I am willing/able to do consistently.

sgt1372

Rather than quibble w/the question, here's my answer.

The Concept2 rower for full body and Stairmaster for quads/hips/butt.

IMO, used "properly" both will give you a far better workout than any other cadio "machine" in the gym for the effort expended.

bbell1985

So I can't answer your question the way you want. I find only 2 machines beneficial really. The lat pull down and a low cable row. I tend to like the lateral raise as well if I'm feeling too lazy to use dumbbells.

JeromeBarry1

The ones I used.
Be careful.
Work up to the difficult setting.
Then go up to a higher setting.

jessef593

Barbells.

For both increases in strength and hypertrophy

middlehaitch

Leg press. I discovered I can't squat very heavy, so l progress slow on the squat and LP to supplement.

Lat pull down. Really helps with my posture. Don't know why but I always feel happy doing it.

Rowing machine, great warm up tool pre lifting, espescially during the winter in Canada.
Nice for when I need a break, works all my muscles.
It is also my preferred gym cardio machine, just in case I want to do some in the gym.

Lots of other machines I will use depending on how busy the free weights are, or my energy level, or time available, or location.

What I have found is if I have done sole machine workouts for a month or so is that I lose flexibility and balance.

Something else to note is that machine strength does not transfer to free weights. You just about always have to drop the weight.

Personally I think machines have their place, even a full machine workout but, you will not get the same results as using free weights.

I have never used a machine programme for long enough to comment on results.

Cheers, h.

If you are thinking of doing a machine routine-
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/ultimate-beginners-machine-workout-for-women.html

ninerbuff

They ALL do if you use them correctly and with enough resistance.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Keto_Vampire

The most convenient ones...lat pullover machine (a gym rarity), reverse-hyperextension/hyperextension machine, glute kickback machine, (front) squat machine, shrug machine, & the ever versatile smith machine

icanmovemountains

For calories vs time I find that the elliptical works great! I can burn 100 calories in 20 minutes. But a full body exercise is the best thing you can do for good results. Its not all about cardio. Its about keeping your body healthy and happy, and you do that my exercising and strengthening all of it.

Okiludy

Power rack and barbell by far. Many lifts, highly adjustable weight selection, able to load more weight than most machines, fairly safe if using bars, and it forces you to use your own balance instead of artificial rails.

If I ever made a home gym I would really only need a power rack, a barbell, a utility bench, and around 600 lbs in plates. I think the rest of stuff is nice but not "needed".

augustfirst1995

It honestly depends on your goal.

BrianSharpe

augustfirst1995 wrote: »

It honestly depends on your goal.

^^^ Yup......

My "best results" came from lacing up my running shoes and heading out the door to run (in terms of improved cardiovascular capacity) I also bike quite a bit.

If I were to pick one machine it would probably be my rower. I use it for cross training but it gives you a full body workout along with excellent cardiovascular conditioning, if you do go this route focus on developing correct form before worrying too much about pace or doing long rows.

Otherwise the correct answer is the one you're going to enjoy using consistently over time.

CowboySar

Depends on your goals as others have said. In my case no machines only free weights all the way. I guess the only machine I use ever is treadmill or stationary bike for cardio

cwolfman13

You will get the best result following an established, structured program...the program you choose may or may not include machines.

Machines don't give you results...working properly gives you results...

ETA: if you're just talking about cardio...whatever machine you enjoy (I personally loath any and all stationary cardio equipment and don't use any). The machine doesn't give you results...the work gives you results.

I cycle...mostly outside.

brittyn3

I skimmed, but - find a machine that you enjoy using and will continue to do so. Your results are based on your intensity while doing it. Try a different one until you find it, hey - maybe you'll like several of them!

ForecasterJason

I gained some upper body strength by primarily doing the chest press and lat pulldown exercises on the machine. It was easy the first few times I used it to progress in weight, and then it did become a lot harder.

Fitnessmom82

It depends on what you want to achieve...i am trying to lose weight and maintain muscle, and get stronger (hard to really gain muscle while losing).
For cardio I personally feel like I work hardest when running intervals on the treadmill and using the stairmaster. I don't feel like I'm pushing myself on the elliptical, no matter the intensity. I like the rower as well, but we only have two at our gym and they are always occupied.
As far as weights go, I find dumbbells, barbells and kettlebells more efficient for me. I feel like I work much harder vs using a weight machine. I don't know the science behind that, but I feel like I can slack a bit using a machine. If I am using free weights I really need to focus to maintain proper form.
Try a few programs, see what you like best. In the end, finding something enjoyable and sustainable for you is what will yield results!

PowerliftingMom

None ... I use barbells and dumbbells

H_Ock12

Barbells and dumbbells. They're the basis for my programs and I've gained strength and visible muscle while lifting.

Davidsdottir

jessef593 wrote: »

Barbells.

For both increases in strength and hypertrophy

That's what I wad going to say.