Functional Training???
When you visit a gym, you’ll see a lot of equipment like the above being used.
BAD CHOICE !!!!
It’s fair enough that people will go to the machines, there is a few instructions on the side of them and I suppose it is a starting point for the newbie with no assistance.
The slightly more experienced trainer has no excuses.
What are the issues with these machines then
- They normally are isolated exercises meaning working one area only at a time. There are some exceptions but few. This means less energy expenditure and rubbish for fat loss
- They promote poor technique. I particularly love the pec deck as shown above that provides a great example of this. One of the reasons for this is loading the machine up with too much weight.As the resistance chosen is ultimately supported by the machine itself (rather than just you) it encourages a heavier weight to be used. When this weight cannot be moved in a fluent action you will see the trainer move in all sort of directions to get it from A to B
- Poor technique can lead to imbalances. If you strain in a poor position you are more likely to compensate by using your stronger side more than the weaker side making things worse.
- Posture will then be affected. Not only for the above but because your body is held in position rather than supporting itself. Postural muscles such as the deep core are left redundant.
- A machine is made to work in a certain range of motion. Your body and joints have certain limitations in which way they want to move but have greater ROM than any machine. The machine inhibits the body from moving the way it should
Try movements away from the machines such as bodyweight and with the use of free weights like dumbells, barbells, kettlebells and medicine balls to promote greater ROM, less occurrence of injury, better technique and improved fat burning results.
Beat the machine!
Be Great
Mike
