changing workout routine on cycle?

[fitguy22]

on my first cycle i used machine for my uperchest (hammer presses) and it helped in developing of my UC as my incline wasn't all that strong lol.

jozip, whats ur workout routine now? my next cycle is similar to the one you are/were on so any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Southernfish]

great stuff guys. much appreciated. Since we're on the subject of different workouts, i've always read that free weights are the way to go which lead me to basically dismiss machines and cables as even being an option until recently. I started using machines for certain things because you are somewhat limited with free weights. what are you guys's thoughts on this? i usually start with free weight heavier lifts, (bench, squat, military, etc) then jump on machines to sculpt a bit.

would it be beneficial to incorporate more machine workouts into my routine?

Absolutely! They have many benefits it terms of building muscle and can be an alternative to a free weight exercise that you cant perform due to injury or the exercise just not feeling right. I tend to most often do one, lets say chest workout, with mostly free weights at the begging and a machine or two at the end then next chest day mostly machines at the beginning and then a free weight movement or two at the end. Hell, sometimes I do the compound movements (dead, bench, squat) last in my workout, prime the muscle group up with machines and fatigue it then fuckin give er. Theres a ton of good machines, depending on the gym you go to, with machines you can almost target the muscle group you work 100% and take the full tension, your taking stabilizer muscles out of the equation for the most part, and you can push/pull a lot of weight with them. Just don't get into a situation where you feel you have to use a certain machine if the motion of it doesn't feel natural or hurts, you asking for injury then, use ones that work for you and feel proper.

I just finished healing up from surgery, and I went to the gym and did ONLY machines for 4 weeks (its all I was allowed and could do) and I grew, so I know they work. Hardly used any weight either, lol.

 

[Mrrippedzilla]

would it be beneficial to incorporate more machine workouts into my routine?

Absolutely.
Machines are extremely underrated by alot of guys but they have 2 big advantages over free weights - less chance of bad form & constant time under tension for your muscles.

On machines because their is a fixed way of performing the move, the chances of using poor form & getting injured are very low compared to free weights. For example, some guys can't do bent over rows at because of lower back problems so the cable row is an awesome substitute.

The biggest advantage is constant time under tension, something you don't get with alot of free weight moves such as at the top of a bench press/deadlift/squat, etc. When using machines, even when your looking for a break mid set your muscles are STILL under tension.

A nice mix of both free & machine will lead to better workouts.
Don't make your workouts completely machine based because then you increase the risk of injury/poor form when returning to free weights.

 

[jozifp103]

wow. i'm overwhelmed with good info here guys thank you. goes to show there's always more to learn in this game. i'll be trying out some new stuff soon.

 

[jozifp103]

what exercise routine are you following right now?

on my first cycle i used machine for my uperchest (hammer presses) and it helped in developing of my UC as my incline wasn't all that strong lol.

jozip, whats ur workout routine now? my next cycle is similar to the one you are/were on so any help would be greatly appreciated

i'll post up my whole routine when i have more time and i'm not at work. thanks guys.

 

[Teutonic]

machines mean no to little chance of injury as IT S CONTROLLED AND U CAN ALWAYS....BAIL.

Love em

 

[3J]

machines mean no to little chance of injury as IT S CONTROLLED AND U CAN ALWAYS....BAIL.

Love em

my ac joint hurts more on machines than it does on free weights.. your stuck to the movement the machine gives you and most of them are not made for 6'4 guys lol

 

[jozifp103]

my ac joint hurts more on machines than it does on free weights.. your stuck to the movement the machine gives you and most of them are not made for 6'4 guys lol

i notcied this with some machines...i'm not 6'4'' but some movements bother my shoulders.

i also find myself unable to get my elbows and hands far back enough to drab the handles for some chest press machines. looks like some stretching may be in order...

 

[snowpatrol123]

my ac joint hurts more on machines than it does on free weights.. your stuck to the movement the machine gives you and most of them are not made for 6'4 guys lol

This is my caveat when it comes to machines.

Almost all of the hammer press / plate loaded machines are good, for me at least (6' 1/2") but I find the cybex, life fitness etc. to typically not follow what I would call an "acceptable" range of motion.

Even when it comes to things as simple as an incline chest press, the plate loaded hammer strength machine feels natural...the cybex rubber belt/plate deal hurts my shoulders because I can't adjust it to the point where I'm directly behind where I should be pushing forward.

To each their own though...I like machines and free weight combinations, I do a lot of work with dumbbells for upper body, barbell for lower and back but machines compliment those nicely.