Does anyone even use free weights anymore?

[POTA]

Of course I'm exaggerating. But, hell. I have training videos by Dexter, Victor, Lee, Dorian, Ronnie, Kevin, Dennis, Markus, and Gunter and the only one who, for back, does bent-over barbell rows and deadlifts is Ronnie. Except for biceps, just about all body parts are done using mostly free weights by him. The others I mentioned use a lot of hammer machines, lat machines, curling machines. I mean, I usually throw in about one machine per bodypart (e.g., some crossovers at the end of a chest workout, some seated rows or pulldowns for back, some cable curls for biceps, etc), but I mostly use old-fashioned free weights. I want to watch some videos of good bodybuilders doing barbell curls to pump me up for my bicep workout and shit like that.

[jpm101]

Ever notice that the brand name of the machine is most always on display? Or brought up in the video? Reason for that. Good Luck.

[CalvinH]

Yes.

[JasonH]

At the end of the day as long as you're on shitloads of gear, GH, insulin and fuck knows what else, you can train on anything and you'll grow.

[benchmstr]

i could not tell you the last time i used a machine...

bench

[_bruce_]

Machines as a basis for a training regime suck, but on and off I love to rep away on them + I enjoy the self pompous trainees who alway make sure the oogle themselves in the mirrors when pumpin out brutal lat pulldowns.

[mass 04]

No. Just you, Hercules.

[jpm101]

Just my view but Nautilus (3 phase cam) would be the only machine that may have value in BB'ing. Nautilus is also into the rehab line of equipment. If ever going to a rehab center might be surprise at the variety of muscle building machines there. Things the average guy never comes in contact with. Other machines can have their place in BB'ing also.

Years ago I trained in a mostly all Nautilus gym. Used the pullover machine (outstanding), shoulder, chest, ab, leg extensions, hip/back, etc.. Even the old Nautilus bicep machine, which looked like a mid-evil torture device. All excellent workouts, but the strength gain from them does not always transfer over to regular lifting (or sports). Which, in my mind,  Nautilus machines do not have the same functional strength and better rounded muscle building qualities as free weights do. Again, just my view. Others with more knowledge than me, may disagree. The man, and his wife, who owned the gym, went broke after a while due to the heavy money investigated into all those machines. The general public were interested for awhile, but than business slowed down to almost a complete stop. Too bad , nice people. Good Luck

[wild willie]

I use free weights but I also use machines.

If you don't find some machines useful, I think you are being close minded.

Hammer machines are fantastic......as are Cybex and Flex machines.

Use both machines and free weights for optimal gains.

[lesaucer]

I love machines.

[benchmstr]

I love machines.

yeah, you kinda seem like a pumper...

bench

[local hero]

yates and kevin used there fair share of free weights in there vids too,,,, no one who's competitive trains with free weights alone

[Charlys69]

my advice

train with the free weight exercises which your Body can handle, with controll, a good feeling, and where the risk of injury or inflammation is low....depends what Body-Typ you are...(itīs an individual thing, if you are 5 "6"  or you are 6 "5", or something between)
for example, if you have very long legs, squats may not the best option for you, because of to much stress for your knees, lower back.
This exercise def. will produce results for you, but if you got serious problems with your joints, ligaments, tendoms these results will go away. So train safe & progressive, if you able to handle free weights in a good way stay with the free weights. If not, looking for a machine alternative, or another free weights exercise for that same Bodypart where you can progress over the long run, and donīt destroy your Body.

Iīm still 47,5 Years now, training for over 30 Years....and my last Chest training free weights exercise was dumbell incline presses with
150īs for 15 reps (no spotter, full reps). I quit benchpressing some Years ago because my shoulders get to much hurt. I also wonīt do behind the neck exercises (neck press, or pulldown do the neck).
Every single exercise will give you a response, "stay or away"

[Charlys69]

last chest training i tested the incline dumbell presses with Chains. So you donīt have to bring the dumbell up into the start position, cause they are still there. Also itīs safer, and the risk of injury is less.
i go real heavy up to 80,5 kg (177 lbs.) for 4 full reps (failled on the 5th reps)

[local hero]

thats a great idea actualy, murder getting them up if your training on your own and theres only twinks near by who couldnt even clean the fuckers to pass to you!