Which do you prefer? I mix it up but as I get older(and have a bad shoulder) I'm enjoying cables more and more for certain exercises. I feel like it helps my flexibility.
Free Weights vs Machines vs Cables......
- Thread starter deadeyededric
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I'm struggling to find something that I can do without being sore for days (carpal tunnel, tendinitis in both elbows and shoulder problems). I got resistance bands, but I've gotten lazy this winter.
I like free weights to make muscles work as hard as possible and being able to do more circuit/combo stuff.
Machine/cable stuff is good to keep more closed movements. Like I had tennis elbow and machine flies were useful to avoid using my wrist too much.
On the same subjectish I'd rather bike or run on a path vs stationary/treadmill.
Machine/cable stuff is good to keep more closed movements. Like I had tennis elbow and machine flies were useful to avoid using my wrist too much.
On the same subjectish I'd rather bike or run on a path vs stationary/treadmill.
Free weights, hands down. But, yeah, when you're hurting, or even deconditioned, machines can be a useful option. I'm having a problem w/a shoulder too. My philosophy is: keep working out as you can, with whatever keeps you working.
Love free weights but I like working out in the comfort of my home so it’s hard to get the full compliment of equipment that going to the gym can provide.
I work out in my basement so free weights mostly, but I did buy a wall mounted cable pulley machine that I really like. I'd probably use mostly machines if I wanted to go to a gym though.
I like free weights for arms and chest, and mostly machines and cables for the rest of my body.
I have a lot of problems with tendinitis in my shoulders and elbows from my job. I think bands are a awesome for that type of injury. Gotta keep that flexibility.
If you're young and full of spunk. Free weights. IF you're older and just need the heart rate to go up....machine/band weights.
Free weights mostly. Got great results during Covid with basement free weights.
Just bought a functional trainer from Costco. The cables are smooth and give a lot of options. I'm sure I'll go with both
Just bought a functional trainer from Costco. The cables are smooth and give a lot of options. I'm sure I'll go with both
Id give anything to be able to barbell bench or dumbell bench heavy weight, but I haven't been able to in like 2 years.
I have officially retired from free weights. Cardio and machine from here on out. Eventually ....just going for a walk will do it for me. . Getting older and more apathetic.. Just give me a beer and a good story.
Free weights and machines.
I like cables too, but I just never end up using them for some reason.
I like cables too, but I just never end up using them for some reason.
Free weights. I try to do about 80% of my volume with barbell and compound movements. I have a pulley system to do some more isolated stuff or hit angles I can't with the barbell (e.g. lat pull-downs, tricep push downs).
My hamstrings and glutes have been giving me fits lately though so I haven't done anything for a few weeks. It was so bad for a while I couldn't bench - the hip position during, and sitting up after just killed. I'm almost pain free with normal activity finally, and thinking I need to get back into the garage to lift again soon.
My hamstrings and glutes have been giving me fits lately though so I haven't done anything for a few weeks. It was so bad for a while I couldn't bench - the hip position during, and sitting up after just killed. I'm almost pain free with normal activity finally, and thinking I need to get back into the garage to lift again soon.
Imo Yoga doesn't get enough credit for its physical benefits.
Seems like it's more associated with calm relaxation techniques when it can really be good PT.
There is a place for all of them. Cables are great for a lot of things, very underrated. Free weights are good, but as you get older, they are harder on he joints, or feel harder on the joints. I have to be well warmed up. In my older years (54) mostly dumbbells. For the younger guys, if your goal is cosmetic enhancement or hypertrophy, you don't need to do bench presses for chest. Tends to build the side and can give a droopy look, especially if you don't have a genetically symmetrical chest. Inner grip inclines will work the upper and middle part to help fill in that area that flat bench won't. But the number one reason as to why not to bench press is they are shoulder wreckers. I know a lot of guys in the upper 40s and early 50s that did a lot of heavy benching in their 20s and 30s, but now they are paying the price. Many have had surgery and their training is very limited. So if you want to do this for the long haul stay and stay pain free, stay away from benching. Inclines are better, but even at that, keep the rep ranges a little higher with lower weights. If your goal is strength training, then bench press has it's place, just be careful, do everything you can to protect the shoulders and do preventive care for the shoulders.
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