A Machine Lifting Question
Posted: Friday, December 05, 2008
by Dr. Jim Brassard
Self Defense & Combat Fitness Centers
Q: My friends tell me to do machine exercises like leg extensions, is this a good idea???
Jim G-Texa
Hey Jim there's nothing wrong with using machines for exercises now and then, Hell I do myself.
BUT there are better ways to reach your goals that should not be ignored.
Leg Extensions will put some meat on them bones, BUT it pales in comparison to Squatting with or withoutweights. It works more of the legs AND upper body as well and also will burn off those holiday love handles. If your sort on time it's always best to perform an exercise that trains more of the body in one shot. Try whipping off 100 Hindu-squats (Non-Stop) and you'll get the picture.
Most machines won't produce Functional' results. Their popularity comes as a result of ease of use.
A machine will also put you in a fixed plane of movement that doesn't require much feedback from the body. Also when using machines all one usually does is push or pull and not much else.
BODYWEIGHT exercises forces your body to make constant adjustments & will simulate real life movement.
So in summary: Machines will help, but you should think of them as a supplement to free weights or bodyweight cals.
Of course being in the combative arts I favor bodyweight drills to get the job done. I found that when I mastered the "Handstand" pushup; I was about 20-30% percent stronger ALL AROUND.
Not to mention my punching power increased as well as my speed.
Go-figure
Cacha-later
Jim Brassard
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