FREE WEIGHTS VS MACHINES (TENSION EXPLAINED - UPPER BODY) | MIKE VAN WYCK

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[@WYCKEDTRAINING]

Can’t believe we’re at 26k. Grateful for every single one of you (even those of you who I think may have been dropped on your heads as infants, I love you too.)

[@FabledGentleman]

What you talk about is something I've discovered to be the truth myself over years of trail and error, i wish i had all this knowledge at the age of 18, i would've been a beast. 26k is almost an insult to the science of muscle building. the advice you give, is way more valuable than dozens of fitness channels on KZbin with millions of subscribers each.

[@joshplews9488]

Everytime I touch a free weight on chest I’m quickly reminded why everything you just said is so right, so bang on. Word for word everything you said is just stupidly accurate. My shoulder hurts, you can’t think about shit apart from holy crap the weight is gonna fall on my face. Since I used the smith, machines, and found my groove, my chest finally started to grow and my shoulders finally stopped hurting. Honestly Mike thanks so much! More people need to shut up and think in bodybuilding the goal is building the muscle now what does that best and is repeatable for years on end.

[@johnnycvt]

Thank you Mike for what you're doing, I'm 35, coming back from both the same hip surgery you had and the shoulder surgery you probably need. Your techniques and perspective have really helped me elevate my training. Most people dont understand how to maximize their training longevity. If you're ever in Vermont hit me up, we're small but have a pretty decent lifting/bodybuilding community. Edit: your triceps cable movements are fucking insanely valuable, forgot to say thank you for that too.

[@shaniniazi4448]

The stuff I am learning from you is awesome and really appreciate-able, is there any way if you can also address some of the injury issue such as shoulder scapula pain and once you said soon you will make a workout plan and share with us and then everyone can plug and play as per their goal

[@flopez1025]

Thank you Mike for sharing your info (knowledge wisdom experience) I feel the connection with you like you know me. Ironic when I was a baby one of my cousins was throwing me up in the air and didn’t catch me I think that knocked some sense in to me. Thx Rose!

[@jakesmith6337]

It’s so refreshing to listen to a normal well grounded person that just happens to be a bodybuilding expert 🥰

[@MikeVanWyck]

Normal is debatable lol. Thanks though

[@calikid0926]

Drink and eat what you want. I eat well 6 days a week, lift 5 days a week and have my day where eat what I want and drink what I want. Brings me good mental health, keeps me grounded and all in all love seeing continuous improvement.

[@JTrain985]

Finding this channel from searching "how to engage triceps more" months ago has been one of the greatest finds. I love going to the bar with mates after work and when people ask what I bench being able to tell them I don't bench at all and getting a better response from that on how I look now than when I did bench. Anyway, thanks a bunch for the great tips. I'm feeling and looking better than ever.

[@MikeVanWyck]

Awesome. Happy to hear this

[@omarflores8801]

Yup this guys help Helped me blow up my tricep and keep that pump 💪

[@jorgequintero2189]

Dude this is the best talk on training that I’ve heard in a long time. And I’ve been doing the iron game for a minute. This guy knows his shit…💪🏻

[@FabledGentleman]

About 2 years ago i stopped doing free weights training. I've always been a fan of cables, but now I'm doing like 50% of all my training on cables. If i don't count leg day, I'm probably 75-80% Cables. Rest is machines like Chest press and Chest Fly or Row's. In my experience, you just can't beat a cable machine, because you can attack every angle, and have as much tension you want through every movement, making it perfect to connect with any muscle you want to train. Just use your imagination with cable machines.

[@MikeVanWyck]

I agree

[@daryldelp8232]

The main reason I listen to Mike is he very precise with his explanations.

[@thealbinorhino8760]

I appreciate the no BS. NO gimmicks. No bro science approach. Holy everyone needs to follow this channel. Tired of these skinny fu*king guys telling me some stupid a** way to modify my work outs for muscle growth

[@MikeVanWyck]

Ya it’s amazing that they have all these adaptations and still look like dog shit. Especially the back experts lol. Omg

[@thealbinorhino8760]

@@MikeVanWyck I swear IG and youtube is full of 150lb guys who get offended over every video they see. I don't train to be skinny. I train to be a monster. These kids will never know the effort we put in

[@pedrotorres7717]

Mike, I found you accidentally on a HD video with a bodybuilder you were training. I have been a fan since your “roll the knees” video. I have seen other KZbin fitness personalities speak of the muscle mind connection. I am grateful for finding your channel because the way you use your words to explain how to connect/technique is second to NONE. My wife and I started following your teaching and we can definitely see the difference. My wife and I actually transformed significantly and it is rather shocking tbh. Anyway wanted to tell say thank you for being selfless with your knowledge and time. 🙏.

[@MikeVanWyck]

Happy to help and glad u found me.

[@thejooceylife4508]

My chest was always under developed until i dropped the ego, learned how to use these machines properly! Not to mention eliminated all joint pain and injuries!

[@carlcolvin8320]

Mike, you are right on target. My coach explained this to me when he started me on the TRX system. I looked at him and seriously? . He smiled and said oh yeah. It's helping me out big time on the healing process of my tears on my tricep.

[@godreign9012]

the game changer.... years people talking about working out... but this one really hits hard for explaining the real workout mechanism

[@lcpajaro]

Glad I find this channel, straight to the point no mushy shit!

[@MikeVanWyck]

Get to the point. All this fluff shit needs to go

[@loaialtheeb1783]

You're the best thing in youtube man There's alot of people still don't know that you can be big and muscluer just from using machines And am one of those people are using machines all the time for my own safety an staying away from shoulder pain. You're the real deal man keep it up 💪🏼💪🏼

[@MikeVanWyck]

Thanks Loai appreciate the kind words

[@loaialtheeb1783]

@@MikeVanWyck you deserve those words man 👌🏼

[@LJ-ed8os]

😂😂😂Mike you are the man! Aside from you’re knowledgeable with training.. I loved that outro you did😂 keep up the good work sir!

[@astarpery6260]

This should be mandatory viewing for anybody who ever picks up a weight. Your whole channel should be, but particularly this vid. Thanks so much for these, I've never seen someone explain this stuff so well and elicit so many lightbulb a-ha moments.

[@leighhadley8040]

Once again wise words, to be honest i will do both, machines and free weights, like you always say, i go with what works for me....

[@ranthony2714]

As always, thank you for the reality check, much appreciated.

[@mrjro68]

Thank you for the muscle up info Yup !! your right Mike I'm in my 50's , old school mentality

[@coachwhite7802]

Great content and educational videos. Everyone not trying to compete in bodybuilding match but are focusing on building a body .

[@MikeVanWyck]

It’s about building the best body u can.

[@user-sv8uc7tv8m]

Great video again. I think a lot people asking for dumbbells/barbells work are people at home with home gyms. Limited tools at our disposal. I have a squat rack and have rigged up an inexpensive pulley system that can work chest/triceps/shoulders/back etc…. The pulleys have been the best thing I invested in for exactly the reasons you say, constant tension.

[@THEBOBBYPASSION]

I lost the core of bodybuilding by following the crowd. But myke showed me again what its all about i love the videos man thanks for the tips can't wait to implement these techniques you are learing me again! Keep being you man you are the best

[@SarcasticLee26]

Man I really appreciate your videos. You are real RAW with great info & preach what you can & can’t do. The best part is if you can’t do something find an alternative

[@johnjauregui5677]

Thank you Mlke for another informative video. The "Time on Tension" is what has improved my workouts ( I am no body builder, just someone who enjoys lifting as part of my lifestyle). That is what I strive for in my workouts! Some of my best workouts come from that concentration rather than " am I pumping a crazy amount of weight".

[@MikeVanWyck]

Focus is the key

[@Wrigadelphia1908]

⁠@@MikeVanWyckI’ve been doing the whole sets/reps to failure for a while now but watching Mikes videos tells me I need to change. What does your workout look like after incorporating the things he says to do now? Like I said I come from sets/reps background…what or how should I change that will benefit me more. Honestly I haven’t seen much muscle growth in a while and I know somethings gotta give. I’ve stayed in the 4-6 rep range and yeah the weight is heavy 😬

[@p5ri3o]

Dexter "The Blade" Jackson; was a big proponent of using machines over free weights later on in his career hence his longevity in the game. It's a great way to hone in on both time under tension and the mind muscle connection, at which point you can safely transition to free weights🏋‍♂ Big Mike 💪as always, imparts knowledge based on practicality rather than hearsay to the masses✌

[@serafimabdula6328]

The Truth I've been looking for about training with machines and free weights and injuries. Thank you for clearing my doubts .

[@Ghettofireman80]

All I know is my back has gotten way thicker using ur workout where u use the tricep rope connected to the lat pull down sitting on the flat bench I also added doing it lower as well one of my best back workouts now thanx man keep up the great info

[@MikeVanWyck]

Perfect. Happy the movement helped

[@mikehammer2408]

Good Chit Mike Everyone has a range of activation with every muscle- Find it and embrace it!!!

[@donyellmcgee8236]

Love hearing your knowledge and rants! I go to the gym and practice my lifting techs on how you do them and as always I feel the results! WYCKED.👍

[@MikeVanWyck]

Happy to hear this Donyell

[@georgienchev2176]

Great tips as always, thank you Mike, real video! My favorite part was with man no land, because it's true. Mike you just beat them up with this for the cameras, they must be living inside the camera :D D so true :)))))))))

[@supragame1991]

Bro, appreciate you continuing to make videos.

[@MikeVanWyck]

I will

[@carmelquarney157]

Great video I totally agree with finding movements that work for you

[@SlaterMGFX]

This was a great talk...and insights... Keep doing what you're doing. We need that and we'll support you as well. Thank you!

[@MikeVanWyck]

I will

[@jesusguzman1421]

Great content 👌 like always Big Mike . "I walked down a different street "😆

[@MikeVanWyck]

Tattoo’d that on my hands.

[@2dollarcrew]

Mike is the Gordon Ramsey of body building and I’m here for it

[@MikeVanWyck]

Lol. I’ll take it. Gordon is awesome

[@dompablo2473]

Love the damn advice this man gives. Tells it how it is and let’s everyone know to do what works for them. There’s never one way to do something. Appreciate the love Big Mike keep killing it! 🔥

[@analogcrunch4716]

Mike just my interpretation but I'd imagine dumbell chest pressing might be a better option later in the chest workout because we could use lower weight due to fatigue and focus on form and contraction? As you said those 100s and up are long and your ROM is so restricted. So glad you discussed this.

[@MikeVanWyck]

Big dumbbells are great for the ego. Shit for your chest

[@TCraig00]

Pre-exhaustion. That is a method used by alot of bodybuilders who try to train smarter than they did back in the day. If you still want to include dumbbell chest press that isnt a bad method at all.

[@paulhiggins8634]

Love these videos. I’ve said it once but I’ll say it again (sorry) best informative weight training content bar none. I look forward to the next one as soon as the one I’ve watched has finished 😁 Mike is also top of my ‘who would you like to have a beer with’ list 😎

[@MikeVanWyck]

I’ll pass on the beer but a jack and coke is welcome replacement

[@jonathanarriaza83]

I love how big mike explains things thank you ! 11:17 had me weak 😭

[@undreapierre430]

I appreciate the way you explain everything

[@Thomas-ps4yi]

Mike once again your incredible knowledge and ability to clearly explain why it works is awesome. I have had shoulder injuries, and surgeries. So taking in what you say, and then applying it, I have felt such a better mind muscle connection and have seen my chest improve more than ever. Machines work so much better for me, not to mention how much more control I have, which enables me to lift but do it safely. Thank you again for sharing this valuable and information with us. Take care and be well. Looking forward to more videos. 👍💪

[@MikeVanWyck]

Happy I could help Thomas. Videos will keep Coming. Lots of stuff to talk about. I’m inspired daily

[@johnhansen6136]

Thank you. Thats is som real good indfo.. dumbel for chest are give me pain somtime. I will go for machine 💪

[@lvxleather]

Thanks for the video man. I have been using more cables and machines but have kept some dumbbell movements because i was worried that not throwing them in would set me back even though I always feel cables are what really work the muscle more and always leave me sore. Now I won't question myself so much as to exercise choices.

[@TheUnit720]

Yo Mike! Appreciate your take on things! keep em coming.

[@daniekogivens5042]

Never understood dumbbell kickbacks, and that was way before I ever learned how to connect with my muscles and feel tension. You really only feel anything at the top 1/3rd of the rep and it wrecks your elbows. A girl stopped and asked me if she was doing it right now that long ago. I told her just don't even do that lift and do it on a cable if she really wants to.

[@grim205]

These videos never get old yo 🔥

[@jessefigueroa5737]

Congrats on the 26k! Very Well deserved!

[@BadAssBlackOverlord]

Man this channe is something special. I can't believe it took me this long to find it.

[@jehanamrolia1542]

Hey, Mike that my army my soldiers got me laughing. Rich Piana used to say" welcome to my world" which was so nice of him . That stare u gave

[@joshuagarcia662]

Damn I was going slow on negatives when using the machine… I’m glad I saw this video big dawg.

[@TCraig00]

Theres nothing wrong with going slow on negatives. That's more time under tension.

[@joshuagarcia662]

@@TCraig00 he was talking about machines not free weights

[@pierretran75]

always great to get your advices. I'm 54 and had to change the way I trained because of 2 disk compressions that I need to fix (actually shouldn't be training at all, my doctor would get crazy if he knew) ... anyways, thanks for your good common sense !!!

[@MikeVanWyck]

To stop moving is death. Don’t stop fighting Pierre

[@pierretran75]

@@MikeVanWyck thank you Mike. Definitely will never stop… too old now to backtrack 😁😁😁

[@Manishgotgains]

Hi Mike could you make a series of all workouts for building muscle mass!

[@mikedavis6992]

Really needed this video. I experience shoulder pain when I dumbbell bench press! Will try the press machine next time I lift! Thanks for the info!!!

[@user-dn4lg1dv5v]

Thanks Mike I needed to hear this. I got 20 years of lifting under my belt. I have been guilty of not using machines. Now I use them because of injuries. Wish soneone had educated me on the value of machines years ago.

[@ajdiaz5525]

I love these videos man. So much is learned everytime

[@primalzh91]

Yup. SOOOOOO many new trainers at the big box gyms need to memorize this entire video.

[@brynedolor8015]

This is the best channel I have found for weight training. Very informative!!!

[@JackInJapan10]

That trinity hoodie is 🔥

[@ajfit365movinkilos3]

Always thankful for your video's coach Mike🤝🏼🤙🏼

[@armandomartinez5492]

A video to show warmups would be useful brotha!

[@edwardvillegas1223]

Honestly seen better results with machines after listening to your videos man really appreciate you and your tips!!!!

[@jessefigueroa5737]

I love the free weights mostly for bulk but at times either your form is off or you lose some type of control with the weights. I found using cables makes me stay locked in and puts more tention on the muscle.your a wycked man iron Mike! thank you always for the time and effort you do to give us direction and guidance👊

[@The-Secret-Team]

I was told all that stuff as a beginner. Do squats, bench, deadlift. You need all these supporting muscles. Use dumb bells. I was 56 at the time, never set foot in a gym before. I have degenerative disc disease. It was super bad advice. People say a lot of stuff. I’ve commented before but just want to say thanks for your channel. I lifted for almost three years and didn’t really understand moving on the muscle. And you are right it doesn’t help that some of these people giving out really lousy advice are so convinced that they are right and backed by science. It really was a waste of time and potentially harmful.

[@archiemotors]

Great Info! Thanks!

[@hkguitari]

Great talk as always!!

[@Dr.WhetFarts]

I agree. Bench press is most guys number one enemy, yet most rush to this exercise on chest days and most never will grow a good chest from flat bench press + get injured over time. When I started lifting 15 years ago, I also wasted alot of chest training sessioins with bench press as the focus, first when I stopped focusing on bench my chest began growing properly. DBs, machines and cables was the way to go for me. Flat bb bench press did almost nothing for me, very poor pec activation.

[@motionman0]

For me...the only dumbbell press that works is the Close Grip Dumbbell Press.

[@chadcolwell1368]

Your videos are genuine and easy to follow. I feel (like you said at the end of this video) your just talking and explaining real things with real examples. It’s like your just having a real conversation with somebody and that’s why I love watching. BTW when you said “Hey guys bullshit” , that’s now a thing😂 I’m using that. Thanks for the videos.

[@Bendertrickster]

Hey mike, what’s your opinion on hitting incline chest on shoulder days and hitting flat and decline bench for chest days

[@SXMSXTXN999]

“zombie creepin death fvcken negatives” 😂😂

[@coryyanuzzi5946]

Learning so much from Mike. Curious about Mikes thoughts on olympic lifts for aesthetics and or strength training. I've tried a bit but it is extremely technical and probably wasting my time

[@noahsantos9936]

You know Mike is finna drop facts when he says “it’s like”

[@harp440]

Apex gym on Dixie Rd, Mississauga....Henderson Thorne....very few machines...late 80s

[@benjoo]

Mikes version of "hi guys" is "a lot of people"

[@elciochabla6787]

Pretty sure your next hoodie should say "Hey you guys!" On it. 👋😂

[@MikeVanWyck]

No. Welcome back to my channel lol

[@SuperDappa100]

The boss as allways .Liston to him gym rats

[@jceabuca1]

This is exactly why when people train with me they wonder why i have them start with a 30-50lb dumbbell for an incline or flat bench press and i always say we’ll go up if we need to and then they can’t move more then the weight we “warmed” up with because they have such a gnarly pump and can’t believe how heavy it feels, and I’ll throw in hey wanna go up and they give me that look like I can’t, my chest is gonna explode, and I’m like well now you see that it’s technique and tension over weight. Like yes you see me move 130’s on incline and can’t believe it looks like my 50lb incline press, like now you see why I have a 55” chest and weigh 240lbs. Because i only add weight to decrease the amount of reps I need to do to achieve failure. But I can still go to planet fitness and make 75lb dumbbells feel like 120’s because I can train tension throughout the entire range of motion. As bodybuilders we don’t see weights we just feel what we need to feel. If I can destroy my pecs with 50’s then why would I walk halfway across the galaxy to grab 100’s and waste all this energy when I can sit her with these and do 5-6 sets in a short period of time and feel like I benched a fuckin yugo

[@m1tearz836]

I enjoy your videos...I appreciate the details it helps with everything....thank you ...🤝💪

[@elizabethdawkins5797]

Mike, love your videos you always make me laugh

[@theblackmambaplague]

Dope sht brother!!!

[@zahhah734]

Great fckn video man. People don't do this shit.👍

[@eduardobarragan1426]

Thanks. Literally answer everything I wonder.. like it or not lol

[@felipezamudio323]

mike keep up the great work .is the best talk on training that I’ve heard

[@magoo9221]

Mate your channel is awesome! The best at explaining the fine details 🔥🔥

[@flopez1025]

Hey guys! Exactly Mike it’s just me on the toilet watching your videos while I 💩 Restrooms are the modern day phone booths!

[@ramonarias1209]

Whats up mike I would love your opinion on doing lat pulldown behind the head? Is it targeting anything different or is it something I shouldn't be doing due to "risk of injuring my shoulders"

[@jimwirth7392]

I get better feel in muscles with machines. I agree free weight is ego lifting how much can you lift. Who cares. I go for feel and pump in muscles guess what! When I figured that out my muscles started growing again and my joints feel better.

[@kurtmayaco]

I fucks with this nigga

[@egehanceylan8429]

Your tips are actually amazing. I just tried the keeping body straight line hamstring thing and I never felt them this good.

[@solidus818]

Thank you for the information

[@desipuletama613]

💯facts

[@JoNoP100]

Machines work better for me i feel my muscles working way more on machines than free weights.

[@drivenfitness3585]

Your at 43k now brother 👍🏻👍🏻

[@michaelgutierrez4769]

Maybe I got lucky, or maybe it was skill, but man all this explanation is what I would feel in my profession of bodybuilding and loving the sport. I was at hardcore gym with no manuals, trainers, just a pure weight room with pictures of 90s bodybuilders. These explanations are like, ohhh yeah, I did know some shit!

[@jessebradford7130]

Not only that but you probably prefer the machines because it's easier to concentrate on a fixed position to break the muscle fibers. At least for me, I concentrate on heavy compounds moderate to very heavy for strength and power with added reps for size but mostly machines to really break it down.

[@WattsMr3000]

Thank you

[@victorfontaine4943]

I live in the New York area and there are no hardcore gyms around anymore. The gyms are all structured around the office crowd. Full of treadmills, exorcise bikes and dance classes. The few good gyms are just okay and full of teenagers.. I don’t even see those machines around here.

[@vi3412]

DROPPIN REAL SCIENCE / BIG RSPCT

[@mickscott7663]

Hey Guys 😂 like the him in the f@cking goonies 😂 funny rant Mike. Seriously though what are your thoughts on tension in body weight movements like pull-ups or dips against machines please?

[@ranthony2714]

In Nova Scotia, we have many Goodlife commercial gyms and not much else. There are a few here and there, but not many. Worlds, Impact and Canada Games Center.