Curl Machine VS Free weights

[lovbyts]

I usually 99% of the time use free weight. Dumbells, Straight bar, curl bar and/or Preacher bench. I use one machine usually that is a Preacher bench that uses free weights and has a curl type bar. All those are fine.

Today I decided to try a couple machines I have only tried briefly before because the just dont feel right. The reach on them doesnt feel natural or Im just not use to it.

Tonight more than not feeling natural it was like anything after my arms are 90 deg at the elbow I had NO strength/power. I could only do maybe 1/3 the normal weight and get a decent FULL curl. VERY strange feeling.

I think I will continue to throw these in to see if I get a better/stronger range of motion.

I ALWAYS make sure I use FULL range of motion on free weight and the preacher bench. I DONT cheat curl at all but these really feel different.

This is pretty much what the machine looks like.

[BigBuck6]

I usually 99% of the time use free weight. Dumbells, Straight bar, curl bar and/or Preacher bench. I use one machine usually that is a Preacher bench that uses free weights and has a curl type bar. All those are fine.

Today I decided to try a couple machines I have only tried briefly before because the just dont feel right. The reach on them doesnt feel natural or Im just not use to it.

Tonight more than not feeling natural it was like anything after my arms are 90 deg at the elbow I had NO strength/power. I could only do maybe 1/3 the normal weight and get a decent FULL curl. VERY strange feeling.

I think I will continue to throw these in to see if I get a better/stronger range of motion.

I ALWAYS make sure I use FULL range of motion on free weight and the preacher bench. I DONT cheat curl at all but these really feel different.

This is pretty much what the machine looks like.

Correct me if I am wrong but the reason the machine is so much harder is because it is built for an individual of a certain size. This is why machines are not suggested because the angles, mechanics, and loads are different from person to person. IMO this could hurt your elbows eventually if trying to go heavy from the sheer force being brought across the joint and the unnatural range of motion.

[lovbyts]

That is sort of my thinking BUT the handles are not stationary,, they do rotate as you pull up so you do not have to raise off the mat to maintain holding it.

I wont try to go heavy but try it for a while to see if it feels like it is adding anything. Maybe I can get more peak out of it...

[BigBuck6]

I definitely think you should stick with trying to get a peak out of it. Even though the handles rotate some parts do not look for things such as shoulder placement, foot placement, and upper body support. With freeweights, you can naturally compensate for these angles being a little bit off or skewed but with a machine the difference can mean lower back pain or cervical problems depending. I know I am looking WAY to into this but these are things you may want to consider when jumping on any machine.

[dsldsl1980]

It for sure is working your muscles different and maybe not in a bad way. If you look at the picture above you will notice that all the weight is actually not pulling down, but more out. Of course gravity will always make sure the weight is straight down but the machine is actually moving gravity to be more latteral the higher your arms are. I would think this would actually be harder because there is more weight on more range of motion.

[Nooomoto]

Again...it didn't feel right because machines force you into an unnatural range of motion, which can lead to a number of problems including muscle imbalance, injury, etc. Free weights are always a better option unless it's a machine that facilitates an exercise that cannot be done with free weighs.

Beyond that, look at how ludicrously big that machine is, to work the tiny bicep muscles.

Machines have their place for things like rehabbing injuries, training people who have never worked out before, for old people and women. For people like us who are well versed in the weight room, they will do nothing but hold you back.

[tjax03]

Again...it didn't feel right because machines force you into an unnatural range of motion, which can lead to a number of problems including muscle imbalance, injury, etc. Free weights are always a better option unless it's a machine that facilitates an exercise that cannot be done with free weighs.

Beyond that, look at how ludicrously big that machine is, to work the tiny bicep muscles.

Machines have their place for things like rehabbing injuries, training people who have never worked out before, for old people and women. For people like us who are well versed in the weight room, they will do nothing but hold you back.

You do realize that pros often use machines to excellent effect. I'm not saying that they should take the place of free weights, but I definitely wouldn't say they are useless for advanced level bodybuilders. Just because their ranges are limited and sometimes unnatural doesn't make them bad. Have you ever done sissy squats? No doubt that is an unnatural movement, but it is an effective exercise nevertheless. Machines can often be used with good effect later on in workouts to place extra emphasis on certain parts of the muscle. So I would not say they will hold someone back unless they are used exclusively.

[inheritmylife]

I think you've had good advice. I've used the preacher curl machine quite a bit. Although it was a Hammer Strength, so the movement was even more fixed because the hands can't rotate as with the machine that you use. I don't think throwing it in for a training cycle is going to hurt. It may even help with a sticking point on regular barbell curl.

[lovbyts]

It for sure is working your muscles different and maybe not in a bad way. If you look at the picture above you will notice that all the weight is actually not pulling down, but more out. Of course gravity will always make sure the weight is straight down but the machine is actually moving gravity to be more latteral the higher your arms are. I would think this would actually be harder because there is more weight on more range of motion.

Exactly, that was my thought and why it was so much harder. Instead of gravity being a constant straight down you dont have any areas where it becomes easier thus maybe adding more to the workout.

I of course will concentrate on form, NOT straining my back or anything keeping the concentration on the biceps. It might be interesting and I will keep it updated.