Pros and cons of using Strength Machines.

One of the most popular fitness techniques in gyms today are the strength machines. You have your Dual Pulley Rows, Chest Press, Tricep Dips, Hip Abduction and Adductions, Lat Pulldown, Ab machines, Leg presses, Calf extensions and more. All of these help an individual with toning and muscle gains.

If you are considering using a strength machine for the first time, you should know both the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Various intensities in one weight stack.
• Individuals using these machines are in a fixed plane of motion, limiting any excessive planes of motion
• These machines provide users extra support, which helps those who are special needs.
• Weight machines are less intimidating for many individuals.
• If you are rehabbing an injury, or bodybuilding, weight machines help you emphasize specific muscle groups.
• Weight machines do not require the assistance of a spotter.

Cons:

• Moves in one range of motion
• Does not challenge the core stabilization system.
• Most machines do not have the ability for users to train total body.
• Weight machines may not be ideal for those looking to improve athletic performance.
• Weight machines do not fit all body types.
• More expensive than free weights.

There are definitely some important cons to weight machines. However, if you are a gym member, and you've gotten the 'okay' from your physician to strength train on a machine, these machines can help you start your journey. I started off on weight machines and I still use them to this day.

It's true, you are only in one plane of motion on most of these machines. However, if you target certain muscles one day, and do others the next, it actually helps to use the weight machines. You can specifically target those muscle groups, while allowing other muscle groups (previously trained) to recover (I will get into split routines soon).

Below are some of the machines I use on leg day. I usually do 2 rounds of 3 sets of 6-10 reps.

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