You’re definitely on the right track. Do you have any interest in kettlebell lifting? It sounds like it would suit you (they’re not for everyone).
I don’t know a lot about it, but it sounds fun. I’m just concerned I’d have to invest in a bunch of new equipment that I really can’t afford right now.
Are there benefits to kettlebells that wouldn’t be supplied by the olympic-style lifts that olivesmarch4th is already doing?
She mentioned swings and snatches, both of which I prefer a kettlebell for but I’m not trying to sell her on anything. I like dumbbells a lot too and kettlebells can be pricey. I love mine though. I only use my dumbbells for goblet squats these days.
They’re fun?
I have no idea if they’re the most effective use of my time for the biggest possible gains, etc. etc. etc. But I tend to like free weights more than machines and I like using kettlebells. For me, it’s a fun alternate workout and nice change up from lifting heavy objects and putting them down again (which I also like, but sometimes, it’s nice to do something different).
They have them in the free weight room in my gym, which is convenient.
Ambivalid, don’t you think your personal situation may be coloring your views here? Sure weight machines are great for those who can’t do squats and deadlifts, but the latter are better for those who can.
Again, I never said to “center a beginner’s workout routine around machines” or to use machines exclusively or predominately. And as far as learning proper form, you are correct when the training is performed solely on machines. But a beginner using a machine and free weights comes to a better understanding of correct form by being guided into the correct motion with the machines-and at the same time applying that knowledge to the use of freeweights.
As far as people being different sizes, that is what machine adjustments are for. The seats adjust, the width and angle (and often length) of the handles adjust and pretty much accomodate most shapes and sizes.
If only more people adopted this mindset, you wouldn’t see so much horrible form and style in basically every gym you can find.
Not at all. I personally can’t use Smith machines due to my rotator cuff injuries and the fact that it locks the user into place with a certain range of motion is exactly why I can’t use them (well I can for a couple of exercises but not most). So I do understand the criticism of that machine in that respect. I think successful use of a Smith machine is dependent on proper knowledge and understanding of the apparatus as well as being injury-free. But it can and should be used as part of a smart program.
And I value free-weights above machines, to be sure. And the fact that I can’t do squats or deadlifts is irrelevant to my opinion on the value of machines. I don’t understand that parallel. I can’t do any version of those exercises, either; machine or no. And “better” is not the right word to use in this context. Sure, if one form was all that was allowed, in some dastardly evil Skald the Rhymer hypothetical, I’d absolutely choose free weights. But this discussion isn’t about which form of weightlifting equipment is superior to another, but whether one should be even included at all in a beginner’s program.
For one thing, a beginner is going to put on muscle fairly easily at the outset of their training with any form of proven weightlifting. Now if they want to build from a knowledgeable, safe and effective foundation, that foundation should be made of free-weight work-both barbell and dumbbell, cables and yes, work with machines.
The key, for whatever exercise you are performing-using whatever equipment it is you are using, is to know what you are doing.
Well, the most important element necessary for any sort of exercise plan for anyone is that they choose something that they enjoy. If not, it will fail.
You aren’t going to consistently do something that you don’t like doing (lol, when it’s your choice, that is). 