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Personal Trainers at the Gym
- Thread starter karl2me2
- Start date
karl2me2 said:
I don't think it's necessarily a bad starting point, but I will tell you this:
After spending my first couple of months lifting using strictly machines, I moved on to dumbells, barbells, and a few cable exercises - and I wish I'd done it much sooner.
I got better quality results, faster gains, and learned a lot more about my body and what goes into the lifts themselves.
Machines can be an excellent place to get started, but also don't be afraid to learn with free weights because it really is a different ballgame.
pwr_machine
New member
I haven't kept a client on machines longer than 2 weeks. I've trained dozens of people ranging in age from 9 to 59. It makes absolutely no since to use machines for an extended period of time. Machines should be used for teaching tools, not workouts. You can't beat the stability you get from free weights and the feeling of satisfaction from controlling the weight.
supreme
New member
The workout is not that horrible if you like it and it gets you to the gym. It just ignores (like many trainers do) a proper movement assesment before you begin.
Also the machines are an o.k teaching tool but they usually don't allow the body to function in an integrated fashion and they don't improve balance, coordination and stability
You can take a complete motor moron and put them on a machine and after 1 or 2 sets their form is perfect like they have been doing it all their life.
It all depends on your goals; if they happen to be sports related or are intended to improve movement then you are wasting your time.
You mentioned that you recently lost 60 pounds - that's GREAT!, if you need or wish to lose more, than free weights and some cables are the way to go because the more muscles you use in an exercise, the more calories you burn. I.E. you burn more calories standing and controling a free weight movement than sitting on a machine. Also you use more muscles with free weight and bodyweight exercises so you strengthen and develop more muscles
The first thing I teach people especially women, that if you want to lose fat - GET OFF YOUR ASS!
don't expect gym owners and managers to understand this, they love machines because more machines usually bring in more members - I have been repremanded by my general manager for not giving enough machines to people - but once I explain my position and how that a certain machine would make their injuries worse and the club liable the matter was dropped.
I use very few machines (but lots of adjustable cable columns), and none of my clients complain because I explain and demonstrate how my exercise is superior and they get great workouts
Good Luck!
Also the machines are an o.k teaching tool but they usually don't allow the body to function in an integrated fashion and they don't improve balance, coordination and stability
You can take a complete motor moron and put them on a machine and after 1 or 2 sets their form is perfect like they have been doing it all their life.
It all depends on your goals; if they happen to be sports related or are intended to improve movement then you are wasting your time.
You mentioned that you recently lost 60 pounds - that's GREAT!, if you need or wish to lose more, than free weights and some cables are the way to go because the more muscles you use in an exercise, the more calories you burn. I.E. you burn more calories standing and controling a free weight movement than sitting on a machine. Also you use more muscles with free weight and bodyweight exercises so you strengthen and develop more muscles
The first thing I teach people especially women, that if you want to lose fat - GET OFF YOUR ASS!
don't expect gym owners and managers to understand this, they love machines because more machines usually bring in more members - I have been repremanded by my general manager for not giving enough machines to people - but once I explain my position and how that a certain machine would make their injuries worse and the club liable the matter was dropped.
I use very few machines (but lots of adjustable cable columns), and none of my clients complain because I explain and demonstrate how my exercise is superior and they get great workouts
Good Luck!
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