Why machines?

[makedah]

Those of you who've been lifting longer than I have probably have much better perspective than I do on this.

I know that some machines help us do things that couldn't be otherwise done easily - like lat pulldowns for those of us that can't do pullups - or would be difficult to do without a cage or a spot. I'm thinking in particular of machines that seem to be redundant to free weight moves - like shoulder press or tricep extension machines.

I'm not trying to bash. My first time out lifting weights ('94-96) I used machines exclusively because that's what the gym folks steered me toward. I had no experience with free weights and I was afraid to go to the free weight room - I was intimidated by all those men! And my fitness magazines echoed this idea that machines were the best thing for me (of course, at least one of them is published by Weider!). But I know it's not just a gender thing. For one, there are men who seem to prefer the machines, too.

Is the preference for machines for moves like this because of the belief that machines are more effective or safer? Is it a technique issue - thinking that free weights are more complicated? (After all, the weight is just lying there, one has to know what to do with it.) Did something happen (I'm guessing in the 1980s) to make health clubs seem more upscale and necessary because they had "high tech" machines? And I'm guessing that if that's the case, gym personnel would lead people to think that they HAD to use the machines for results and therefore, HAD to have gym memberships.

Any thoughts?

 

[Gladiola]

I think you already have a decent perspective on all the reasons why.

As someone employed by a few different health clubs (as an aerobics instructor), it is also my impression that the reasons for clubs steering people to machines are:
1. There is somewhat less risk of injury (in the short term, for those not lifting heavy anyway).
2. There is initially LESS TO LEARN - less to remember
3. Less intimidating
4. Because of 2 & 3, people can GET GOING immediately without needing a trainer - they can go, adjust the seat & move.

Beacuase of #4, they are more likely to see results immediately (IMX, most people getting a gym membership for the first time previously did NOTHING! So any movement that will burn calories will yield results relative to their previously sedentary lifestyle). Sooo -> client gets results & doesn't get hurt & VOILA- health club is happy b/c they'll retain that member.

The members do what the club pushes them toward simply because they DON'T KNOW any better. I've also heard of the fear that women are morely likely to "get big" with the machines. Most people I have told that free weights are superior are pretty receptive to hearing about it.

 

[bignate73]

machines:
-picture of movement on placard
-description of movement on placard
-path of movement is dictated by machine
-no need to pay attention (look into the eyes of someone who doesnt know what intensity is)
-go through the motions, get sore due to unaccustomed movement and a member is happy and feels they accomplished something.

freeweights:
-no picture
-no description
-used by the "big guys" so it must inherently make you big and bulky (there is your magazine misconception)
-you have to pay attention to control the weight, though we know there are those that dont do that as well, but the chance for injury is greater with a free moving weighted object that can one can easily lose control of due to lack of stabilizers, muscle control and endurance, plus the overzealous "1 more rep guy/gal" who uses any means necessary to move the weight from point A to point B.

machines are a last resort for someone seriously training IMO. for the person looking for calories burned and max payoff for their time, a free weight movement TAUGHT CORRECTLY will yield far better results. Increased coordination, focus, balance, stabilization and strength. vs. just increase strength/endurance with minimal gains in other areas.

 

[w84me]

machines are also used for PT ... getting someone back from injury ... so they can adjust slowly to the resistance

 

[witkowsd]

Sometimes I switch off between machines and free weights - alternating between the two, just to change my workout routine.