When Machines Are Better Than Free Weights - 1782

[@terit01]

More great info. I'm addicted to your episodes.

[@WarloyJenkins]

Maybe the reason I like machines is because I'm like just over 5'9 and 170 pounds.

[@kaneherbert817]

My gym here in New Zealand have hammer strength machines they are awesome

[@stormrhode2330]

Back when I started lifting I knew very little about proper form and mechanics. I was very physical and active but had more of a sports and calisthenic background. When I began going to the gym, I jumped into utilizing machines and occasionally dumbbells. And I was constantly getting injured. Tons of pulled muscles and I was popping Advil like candy. One was so bad in my neck that I couldn't straighten my head or the pain would be excruciating and I had to skip classes for the week. Now, I almost exclusively use free weights and calisthenics, am way stronger, and very rarely get injured. I don't know if it's actually fair to attribute this to straying from machines, but they generally feel mechanically compromising to me. Cables are okay, but hard to load heavy. I utilize these to help clients zero in on a muscle to learn how to activate them.

[@jayneshpatel7082]

Unreal content and information, super useful!

[@amorfati4927]

Machines have a large place. The problem is that people just cycle through them likes it’s a CURVES class or something. Most people when you watch them do free weights they do it so poorly that they need to move to machines to learn how to get into proper positions, proper ROM and to obtain loads that they can actually achieve real hypertrophy instead of somewhere between 5-10 RIR but other parts give out before the intended muscle. Things like barbell rows (most people are way too upright, throw too much of their body into it, are unable to be slow and controlled without a pause in the top to really pinch and activate the back), curls (everyone knows how often people are throwing their body including the little push press leg movement to do their curls) and squats (rounded backs, poor range of motion, inability to do a squat without bouncing out of it for a couple examples… when someone can really get great growth and proper form on something like a good hack squat if they do it right) are great examples of things people should use machines on more often for growth and doing things the proper way.

[@chubbiturtles9818]

I still grew a lot of muscles with free weights at home, but I miss using machines bc it's more fun. But I can't have a gym membership bc I need to save money.

[@RomeoBachatero]

Panel has science based dialogue on Bodybuilding along with their own unique experience that help the average user reframe their approach to exercise & weight lifting. Amazing informative channel Gents!

[@37CEMEKA]

I recently found this channel about 3 weeks ago and I have been playing back old episodes! I leave it playing while I’m doing dishes or at work! I started working out about 8 months ago and this channel is teaching me so much I hadn’t learned yet! Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@piemaanfazily]

I am from Afghanistan and live in South Korea; I discovered the mind pump google podcast in August 2021 after the Taliban takeover of Kabul. Their return caused great anxiety and depression, as my sister and mom were stuck in Kabul. I was always anxious and depressed and couldn't focus on work; I started workout using mostly mind pump youtube videos as a reference. My fat percentage has decreased from 19% to 10% in almost six months. Thank you for helping me out unknowingly. (Mom and sister are out of Afghanistan now)

[@chanakaranasinghe9292]

So happy to hear bro!

[@piemaanfazily]

@@chanakaranasinghe9292 Thank you bro. Mind pump has been life changing for me.

[@shoreline4287]

Wow

[@michaelscott008]

I can’t believe it took KZbin took so long to suggest the show to me! I’m enjoying go back and listen to the older episodes. Keep up the good work guys!

[@supimsatan]

Cable machines are the best machines.

[@shauncollins678]

Do your maps programs come with custom macros? Love the show guys, thank you!

[@elliot.darko117]

You guys are life savers! Couldn’t imagine you guys only personal training given the reach you have now on this platform! So many tweaks I’ve made to my training, eating and philosophy as a whole and finally on track to the results I’ve always wanted. Thanks for everything I really don’t know where I’d be without this podcast 🙏🏼

[@aa_rononthe7276]

I liked this episode specially the fact that you defend the iso machines. Thank you fellas

[@BTS-nw9es]

Can't stop listening to the podcast! great info all around, just started my fitness journey and I listen to the podcast whilst I workout :DDD

[@colemichaels8071]

Hey guys, thank you for the podcast. Not only is it informative and great for listening to on drives but it motivates me to keep pushing myself in gym. How would you get some of the benefits of machines if you have a home gym? Is that possible?

[@Jaqelope]

I really enjoyed this topic. I always saw people doing squats with the Smiths machine in the gym, but it never felt right when I did it. Makes sense that you're confined to a certain path, and that may not be natural for everyone. Always great content, and you guys are a riot to listen to.

[@Peter_McKenna587]

I'm new back in the gym after many years. Would love to hear your thoughts on etiquette now vs the days before ear buds and germs. Just had a stranger ask to spot him on bench and it felt like time travel 😁

[@TheDesertMonkey]

Machine workouts have been a huge help for me when starting new with clients, especially with special needs population, it teaches how to do an exercise without too high of risk to injury and can build great mechanics. Appreciate you guys at Mind Pump

[@MrMongoose32]

On phase 3 of anabolic. Loving the results. Thank You fellas 💪🏽

[@jkatzbeats4130]

Another vid of great info. Love it boys👌🏽

[@chsthefirst]

Boiiiiii this is what I needed to hear 💪💪💪💪 much love, thanks for the knowledge 🔥🔥🔥

[@amandazacher3480]

I fairly recent injured my back (compressed nerve) I added machines to help keep my legs decent and it was actually pretty decent! Can't wait to deadlift again. I often use the Smith machine for hip thrusts and still do some static lunges on there. Always love trying stuff!

[@amorfati4927]

Those are the situations where machines are better off. I’m a construction worker (I do cement work) and while I’m healthy the axial fatigue is just so great by the end of the work day that traditional back squats are just out of the question for a load that would do something for me. The only time I can back squat would be when I work out on Sunday after 2 days of rest. Luckily there are plenty of machines that you can use and actual get better range for great results even after a hard day work. During the week for my quads I will do a hack squat bottoming out which most people can’t do with a barbell without rounding their back.

[@coltynwells8110]

You guys make the best content!

[@rabidsheart]

I've made huge gains doing squats with a barbell instead of the Smith machine. I used the Smith for so.long. until I got maps strong and I'll never go back. Also my balance and stability is 100% better since using more free weights than machines. I still use the machines, but majority is free weights. It is really cool to go back to certain machines and see how much more weight I can move after a few weeks of only free weights. My favorite machine is the tricep extension. Even when I do the cables or dumbells I never get as much of a burn as I do on that machine 🙌

[@codycunningham9105]

I'm 90% a free weight guy. Especially being a home gym lifter. But man. Hammer strength makes a low row machine I'd kill for...

[@Thisismyhandle138]

I'd like to hear your opinions on when to lift and when not to lift when you are sick with a cold.

[@kzstaytrue1983]

Also, I have a smith machine that I do my squates on, mainly because I suffered from knee problems for a long time now so I've always been worried my knee will give out during a squat so I've always just used the safer route

[@Elvisthebullyking]

Plate loaded machines have their place but free weights are superior especially dumbbells

[@fernandorivero908]

THANKS FOR THE CONTENT GUYS, I agree about machines but free weights are definitely more valuable for muscle building.

[@humberto2973]

the smith machine comes in clutch whenever you don’t have a spotter

[@MastMindset]

MAPS Aesthetic would be awesome to get

[@Mar_Camel]

welcome to the Sal show, gottem

[@operationtruth288]

Plate loaded machines have their place. The human body only knows resistance not if it’s a machine or free weights. Just like running on a treadmill vs the open road or track. It’s much harder on the track than a treadmill. For certain exercises machines work. But overall nothing beats the free weights

[@amorfati4927]

All depends on your goals and intentions. A couple examples would be it’s easier to go slow, controlled and bury your reps on a hack squat compared to barbell (I mean to the maximum lower range without rounding your back). People will find more quality growth from that then half to 3/4 barbell squats and much healthier for their body. Another good example would be rows on a smith machine. It’s much easier for people to be in a further hinged positions that they should be getting into and just using your back in a slower movement being able to pause slightly in the top for optimal back growth. The majority of people who do barbell rows are too upright, use their legs and whole body too much instead of hitting the correct muscles. Obviously curls are an easy example because most people you see throw a lot of their body into their curls. Obviously a lot of people this is the difference between maximal hypertrophy and people who just want to get in shape.

[@Madchris8828]

Machines are better IMO for the 15 to 30 rep range. Screwing up on form is pretty difficult on many machines

[@amorfati4927]

Most definitely. Machines are just better if you are looking to get damn close to failure your a true 1-2 RIR (reps in reserve). People often have no idea how much more they have left but are limited by form, stabilizers and what not. The best one for me is the hack squat. Partially because I’m a construction worker so on a weekday my axial fatigue is so great I can’t back squat at a weight that is hypertrophic for me without something else giving out first. With the hack squat I can go ass to grass (way lower than parallel which is good to everyone), slow and controlled with a slight pause in the bottom, really focus on a wide foot with 3 points or contact, really focus on my quads, at an weight much heavier than I could think about doing with a barbell for more reps and sets than I could think of with a barbell. My quad growth and strength from the last meso including the carry over to barbell squat (because I can still do it fine on Sunday after I haven’t been working for a couple days) has been massive. I’ve been doing CrossFit for awhile and I’m transitioning off it by (Ive been lifting for 12 years or so in total) and large and in the last 8 weeks I’ve put 50LBs on my hack squat. That’s not 50LBs on my max even, that’s 50LBs on 4x10 of those slow, ass to grass, slight pause in the bottom. If I were to test it I’m sure my max has gone up over 100LBs. It’s like newbie gains all over again which is absolutely crazy.

[@3keystolife]

Today on Dora the explorer 🧭 I’m the map 🗺 I’m the map 🗺 I’m the map Gym bro: which one? Power lift or aesthetic? Great show guys 💪🏽

[@stoicalpha007]

Oooh god I wanna win please choose me 🤣🤣

[@leonardwimbley7948]

Hmmm astetics

[@briandolan576]

BUY THE Power BUNDLE!!! great deal! Anabolic has been great, cant wait to finish and start the Power Bundle... deadlifting and squatting at planet fitness is the best!!! JK keep being raw...

[@azwawtewie1148]

Son unos LIKESEX.Uno de los mejores conciertos ❤️ Son unos de los mejores conciertos, no puede ir pero de tan solo verlos desde pantalla 8, se que estuvog sorprendente...

[@nickcobble2520]

Please never put a fresh acl repair on a leg extension machine.

[@johnmckeron3663]

You guys are good very informative makes me realize combination of both machines and free weights are beneficial

[@braden6721]

Love this show! You guys have completely changed my view of fitness and health. I was someone who always trained to failure and didn’t even care about my health! Thanks you for helping me feel stronger and healthier than I have ever been. Keep on disrupting the fitness industry.

[@MindPumpShow]

Winner! Please email [e-mail] with this episode number, a screenshot of your youtube profile, and the email you would like the program to go to!

[@deronferrell5337]

25 year old novice here. Wish i would of started with free-weights before machines. I started working out at planet fitness and suffered from intense back pain. It followed me to my new gym and I ended up hurting my SI Joint. Luckily the injury was corrective because my hips were slightly off balance. I couldn't stand up straight for 2 days. I was doing way to much weight with the free weights.

[@medaillemaverick]

Hammer Strength #1!!!

[@YoungEli9]

Free weights will honestly help you build muscle mass while machines I believe focus more on improving strength

[@catfish1161]

Great episode

[@giovanniperez]

This is the literally the best fitness podcast out there! You guys do an incredible job of weaving in between fitness, health, current events, and personal topics that help educate the audience on new topics and keeps them engaged throughout the show. The video podcast format and editing style is also some of the best quality work that I’ve seen in this space. Keep up the great job Mind Pump!!

[@wilsoncherelus6841]

Right in time for my late night workout! Mind pump is literally the 🐐‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@dbzgtcrazy]

Excellent work as usual, gents! Have on Patrick McKeown--he'll take your breath away (huehuehue) with solid info!

[@Peter_McKenna587]

Nice! Got his first book 👍

[@brianice9846]

The full body workouts I’ve gotten from MAPS Anabolic are a real game changer. Was on a push/pull/ legs routine… my legs are finally growing.

[@antonylynn7783]

The chest Supported Row machine is the best back exercise I'm my gym i love it.

[@johnlong1771]

Thanks for all the great info. I love listening to you guys and it's turned into a daily thing for me. Keep up the great work guys, look forward to more content in the future.

[@javaman6254]

The day I see someone at the gym put clips on a smith machine is the day I might just give up on the gym 😞

[@claymonaro68]

Great show again guys, free weights at home and a mixture of machines and free weights at the gym.

[@ItsN1key]

I started working out in a gym that only had free weights. Bars, plates, dumbbells, KB,.. I loved it because it was basic but still as hard as you wanted. Since then I got a job and moved. Because of the job I have fitness payed for me which is super dope! But even tho this one has bench press, squat rack, dead lift,.. it also has a lot of machines and they take sooooo much space lol. I do use them sometimes, usually if the thing my trying to do is already taken. This video was very helpful, I think I might use them a bit more, once I finish the current program. Good luck to all of you grinders out there, cheers!:D

[@ericmiller8139]

Excellent content. Thinking of getting the Anabolic program along with Prime for stability. I did full body workouts at one point in my 20s and that gave me the best gains I’ve ever had. Looking forward to getting started.

[@joannebasko8795]

Great show again.! Former machine girl but at home and free now. Loved hearing your experience.

[@irish7611]

👍🏻

[@benripa3488]

Freeeeeeweights!! Ewwwww!! Just kidding, it’s a love, hate relationship. Definitely hate because there are better overall lifts to do in the gym, but the love is that they can really focus on a certain body part in ways that freeweights cant. I’m trying to teach my wife how to life and how to gym and I mainly used the machines as a way to feel the muscle that’s supposed to be working.

[@kellyduncan6366]

Great show! I have one of your maps programs and I only have a smith machine and a variety of dumbbells at home. I’ve been using the machine but I do feel like I’m not benefiting as much as I would, if I were using a barbell. Especially relating to stability. Would you suggest that I use the dumbbells instead, until I’m able to get a barbell? I love the program so I’m trying to make it work with what I’ve got. Thanks so much!!

[@kzstaytrue1983]

Retro fitness went out of business during covid and I bought 3 hammer strength machines (upper chest, lower chest and shoulder press) paid 3k for all 3.. nice to have for a change and can push heavier weight with out as much worrybof injury!

[@Jake-ru8yi]

MindPUMP, MINDpump, MINDPUMP, mindpump, miNDPUmp, MIndpuMP, who fucking cares, still the best.

[@danielfinke9125]

Incredible content again!! Useful for lifters of all levels as well as a physical therapy student (such as myself). Keep it up guys! 💪

[@hectorrodriguez6447]

You guys are fitness gods ! Keep the pods coming everyday !!! Not a better show than this on the net !!! Changed my view on fitness !

[@ZORATIC2ZERO]

Hey guys I’m a New Zealander that’s just starting listening to your guys podcast I’m interested in your guys maps aesthetics, I listen to your guys podcast during work and the amount of information you guys share is just phenomenal it’s now become a daily ritual to listen to your podcasts and apply what I can during my gym sessions.

[@noon2232]

I love that you guys, in addition to health and fitness, discuss other topics going on in the world. What are your thoughts on Sadhguru’s movement regarding saving the earth’s soil? Thanks for all your great advice and information. 🤟🏼

[@FVRwilson]

I need it! Let's see how well it works for an over-the-road trucker.

[@lisaday1143]

Would love to try this program as I think this would be a great fit for my current priorities and goals. Thanks for continuing to provide great content!

[@ICEMAN-uv2pb]

Love yalls content! I recently bought Strong and Powerlifting and am loving the workouts! Excited to see more progress as I go through them. Thank you guys for all you do!

[@alliemilitky517]

The banter between y'all just kills me! "I love robots" 😁

[@armandovelez1669]

Thank you guys for all the knowledge!!

[@giorgossermes9644]

another great podcast i enjoyed it so much xD

[@elibook4189]

I love doing machines for pushing movements. I have arthritis in my elbow and it isn’t able to extend all the way so flat benching and tricep movements with free weights are VERY hard for me to do. Machines enable me to get the squeeze that I’m looking for and I can still progressively overload on weight.

[@Peter_McKenna587]

I hear ya... No arthritis here but tendonitis has made it difficult for me so I will follow your lead and switch when it flares up.

[@tysonbrock2564]

Looking forward to this episode! Never use machines and have been thinking of adding one or two for variety in my home gym 🏋️‍♂️ 💪 Thanks

[@magicmollieee]

I just wanna win 😩

[@pierrelabrie99]

Keep pumping out great content boys. 💪

[@chuerta11]

I’m so glad I came across your content this week- instantly hooked. Absolutely LOVE you guys - so entertaining and amazing teachers. I’ve been sharing your content w my friends. Can’t wait to save up and start MAPS ! Thanks for what you do