A Fitness "Expert" said machines at the gym are worthless...

[Deleted]

Okay, I used to use a trainer. I lost a buttload of weight with him doing bootcamp classes and eating low glycemic. I originally wanted to go back to him, but I can't afford it so I joined Planet Fitness. This trainer is a friend of mine and in normal conversation I mentioned joining the gym and he said that the machines at the gym are worthless. This includes treadmills and ellipticals. He told me that I'm wasting my money (a whopping $10 a month).

What?

Isn't any sort of exercise better than no exercise at all, which is what I was getting previously? I like the elliptical. I use it at the gym. Can someone maybe give me some insight on this? Or is he just talking out of his anus? This dude lives for high knees, squat thrusts, butt kicks, walking lunges, etc. Basic exercises...

[sadlebred]

He's talking crap. Why would a treadmill or elliptical be useless? They are only useless if you aren't using them!

[zoidberg]

I don't like weight machines because free weights do more to strengthen your body beyond the specific muscle group you are working (stabilizing muscles). Treadmills make me long for death.

But that doesn't mean they are worthless or a waste, I just don't personally like them.

[Deleted]

So, is he also anti-running or just thinks you should only run outside?

FWIW, there are far more bad trainers than good. There is not "one size fits all" when it comes to exercising and if a trainer doesn't acknowledge that, then they lose credibility with me.

[Deleted]

Right? I figure as long as I'm moving and being proactive about exercise, its a good thing...

[Deleted]

He's not right but the trainers I know are very anti machine with the thinking that your own body is the best "machine".

[gt7301b]

Of course the only good use of your money is to just give it to him.

[polarbearfans]

The machines do a lot of the work for you, so he is correct in that you can be doing a better workout but at the end of the day you are exercising. Also just doing the elliptical or treadmill are not giving you a balanced workout... But you already have a good base to work off of from your training sessions. You can squat, high kick, etc on your own. You know the form and sets

[Wines Not Whines]

I think he has to say that so people will pay him instead if going to the gym and using the machines on their own.

I think there are differences between machines and free weights or running/walking outside, but the machines aren't useless. They're just different.

[partyhat]

I lost 30 lbs two years ago using machines at the gym. Once I hit a plateau, I did try to mix it up with some free weights, but from my experience, I would say they are far from useless.

[wambam]

I personally don't think machines are as efficient as free weights, but that doesn't make them useless.

[Deleted]

Total crap.

[punkinbutter]

I don't think the trainer is just making stuff up. There is a backlash against using steady state cardio for weightloss with studies to back it up. There is also a belief that weight machines can force your body into an unnatural plane and put you at risk for injury. Plus, they do not promote "functional" moves.

That being said, I don't think there is a one size fits all model for fitness. I believe in try everything and do what works for you.

[Deleted]

Is he a cross fit guy?

[mrssandro]

Total crap. I have lost 40 pounds (and kept if off) just by using the machines. There is no shame in using them if this is your only option. I do enjoy the occasional group fitness classes but anything to burn calories will help you lose weight. He just wants your money.

[Deleted]

Jul 17, 2013 8:54:58 GMT -5 punkinbutter said:

I don't think the trainer is just making stuff up. There is a backlash against using steady state cardio for weightloss with studies to back it up. There is also a belief that weight machines can force your body into an unnatural plane and put you at risk for injury. Plus, they do not promote "functional" moves.

That being said, I don't think there is a one size fits all model for fitness. I believe in try everything and do what works for you.

But you don't have to use a cardio machine for steady state cardio.  You can use them for interval training, too.

Not to mention that during dangerous weather conditions - be it a severe thunderstorm, icy roads, or extreme heat - cardio machines can be very useful, allowing one to get in a workout that would otherwise be missed.  I sure as shit am not going to run outside in this weather, with 100-degree heat indexes at 10pm.  That would be a great way for me to land in the hospital with heat exhaustion.

With regard to weights, even pro-free-weight programs like NROL include the use of some cable machines.

[grace]

When I look around the room at the gym, the way a lot of people are using machines (usually ellipticals) seems like they're not getting much out of it for the time they're spending. But I wouldn't say they're useless.

[gt7301b]

Jul 17, 2013 8:54:58 GMT -5 punkinbutter said:

I don't think the trainer is just making stuff up. There is a backlash against using steady state cardio for weightloss with studies to back it up. There is also a belief that weight machines can force your body into an unnatural plane and put you at risk for injury. Plus, they do not promote "functional" moves.

That being said, I don't think there is a one size fits all model for fitness. I believe in try everything and do what works for you.

Sure, steady state cardio is not the best form of exercise out there, but it is better than sitting on the couch eating bonbons. Also most folks on this board don't only do steady state cardio. Most training plans include speed work and mix up the pace when running. Plus not everyone is running for weightloss, maybe they enjoy running and or racing.

To make a blanket statement that all machines in the gym are worthless is just silly.

[Deleted]

Jul 17, 2013 8:54:58 GMT -5 punkinbutter said:

I don't think the trainer is just making stuff up. There is a backlash against using steady state cardio for weightloss with studies to back it up. There is also a belief that weight machines can force your body into an unnatural plane and put you at risk for injury. Plus, they do not promote "functional" moves.

Is the backlash that shitty blog article that guy wrote a few months back chastising women for running?

[punkinbutter]

Just to clarify, I don't think the trainer is right, but I think he has good intentions and is not just out to make a buck. Usually after a backlash, we find the truth is somewhere in between. (I hate to say truth, because when it comes to people's bodies, there isn't a single formula that works for everyone)

If you like the elliptical and the results you get, stick with it. If it bores you to tears, try something else.

[Deleted]

Jul 17, 2013 10:47:45 GMT -5 punkinbutter said:

Just to clarify, I don't think the trainer is right, but I think he has good intentions and is not just out to make a buck.

Eh, I'd be hard-pressed to trust advice from someone so obviously willing to exaggerate to make a point.

He's: a) is too lazy to explain why machines are not as effective as other forms of exercise; b) too condescending to think the OP would understand; c) aware that what he's saying is untrue and saying it anyway to get OP to retain his services; d) not sufficiently educated to know what he's saying is untrue; or e) unwilling to recognize and accept that sometimes our exercise routines have to be adapted to fit imperfect life situations.

None of those are appealing qualities to me in a trainer.