Weight lifting question.. totally new to this.

mockchoc

Hi my Accredited Exercise Physiologist said when I asked to be taught weight lifting that she doesn't have barbells but does have pulleys which she says prefers and dumbells.

What do you guys think? Do you think I should go somewhere with barbells and not use a pulley or is this fine? I know it's better than nothing but I'm confused because I have heard some on here mention to use free weights and not machines. Help please!?

mockchoc

Any thoughts please?

Michaelsdin

are you talking weight resistant bands? I'v never done resistant bands but i been looking it up it doesnt seem to be much of a difference if it has the resistance all a weight is doing is giving you resistance......

mockchoc

No not resistance bands.

monty619

i think the "pully" you are refering to isnt a resistance band but a machine?? such as a lat pulldown machine with cables? il assume thats what you mean... for absolute beginners its fine to use machines to just get the muscles used to any type of stimulus but after like a week or two definately go to free weights dumbells preferedly.

Michaelsdin

i think the "pully" you are refering to isnt a resistance band but a machine?? such as a lat pulldown machine with cables? il assume thats what you mean... for absolute beginners its fine to use machines to just get the muscles used to any type of stimulus but after like a week or two definately go to free weights dumbells preferedly.

ah i don't go to a gym so i believe monty knows what he is talking about.

mockchoc

Yes it's a pulldown machine with cables! Thanks, sorry I didn't explain very well. Hmm.. ok so I still need to be using the dumbells. So you think it's ok to not have barbells?

Those things scare me a bit anyway

Thanks anyhow Michaelsdin.

ihateroses

Are you paying this person?

It is a bit confusing why they wouldn't have all the equipment necessary for you to use/try.

If I was paying someone I'd want them to show me how to use EVERYthing not just machines (weights, proper form, body weight exercises, etc etc.)

hkry3250

Not having barbells i no big deal as long as you do have dumbells. For beginners the unilateral movement from dumbells works best in determining where your weaknesses are and how to work in them. After my accident lat year, I messed up my back and neck pretty bad, but since it wasn't my first accident I didn't think nothing about it. Well, after having an accident while benching (my left arm just gave out, no fatigue, just quit), my trainer started me on more unilateral movements. he came to a conclusion, just from my workouts, that I had a pinched ulnar nerve. So after a trip to a doc, and an MRI, he was right. Sorry for rambling, but my point is, dumbells are perfect for beginners.

monty619

Yes it's a pulldown machine with cables! Thanks, sorry I didn't explain very well. Hmm.. ok so I still need to be using the dumbells. So you think it's ok to not have barbells?

Those things scare me a bit anyway

Thanks anyhow Michaelsdin.

barbells are good... but in my opinion dumbells are better for overall caloric burn, core stabilization and injury prevention.

mockchoc

Are you paying this person?

It is a bit confusing why they wouldn't have all the equipment necessary for you to use/try.

If I was paying someone I'd want them to show me how to use EVERYthing not just machines (weights, proper form, body weight exercises, etc etc.)

Yes I'd be paying her but I can claim it through my health care but can't if I go to a gym. My doctor put me onto her because of some health issues.

mockchoc

Yes it's a pulldown machine with cables! Thanks, sorry I didn't explain very well. Hmm.. ok so I still need to be using the dumbells. So you think it's ok to not have barbells?

Those things scare me a bit anyway

Thanks anyhow Michaelsdin.

barbells are good... but in my opinion dumbells are better for overall caloric burn, core stabilization and injury prevention.

Great! Then I'll try to book in. Appreciate your help Monty and hkry!