mixing free weights and machine weights

tallaghtdave

was just wondering is this a no no?
gonna start a routine in the summer

t-ha

tallaghtdave wrote:

was just wondering is this a no no?
gonna start a routine in the summer

Resistance is resistance no matter what the source.

Personally I don't like the planes of movement in many machines I've used, and I don't do alot of isolation work (many machines are designed for isolating particular muscles). I do use some machines, but not much.

mloc

most good programs involve a mixture of both. some machines are almost essential to a balanced workout.

Easygainer

t-ha wrote:

Resistance is resistance no matter what the source.

Not exactly true - free weights tend to generate greater muscular stimulus as demonstrated by emg scans (they show muscle activity) and some produce a greater hormonal response.

That said, I incorporate a lot of machine work as well as free weights becuase with my style of training it allows me to train very intensely but safely and also not to have to rely on lifting a weight into position. (DB movements are a killer on my routine)

Degsy

I like the seated row machine and lat pulldown,they allow you to train large muscles safely and are good for building up strength and size.

cousin_borat

Hammer Strength machine for Iso-Lateral Chest/Back is great at the end of a chest session after benching and dumbells.