Free Weight Vs. Machines- A Discussion

[feelingshorter]

I had a dislocated shoulder for 2 years, despite working out with a combo of machines and free weights. I decided to buy the Powerblocks 90 lbs dumbbells and have done workouts like the side lateral raises as well as decline chest flies. It took the pain that was in my dislocated shoulder away almost immediately and I haven't used machines since then. I think as long as you give your body ample rest, you will be fine.

 

[utahraptor]

I just prefer the barbell for some reason. I like that I can use it to exercise most any muscle especially in compound movements. I am focusing on strength. If or when I decide aesthetics are more important to me I will likely revisit the dumbbells.

 

[SP33Demon]

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as far as building a client list, hope it goes well for you. I'm sure I could get a cert and build a client base as well. Because it's your boyhood dream to have someone pay you for your vast lifting knowledge, doesn't mean everyone else that steps in the weight room has the same dream. Much like how people don't all desire to have a build like mine.
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Thanks, I think it will go well. There are a lot of people with money who want to pay to get strong, especially in this area. As far as boyhood dream, not really, but it is extremely gratifying seeing my people get stronger/healthier because of me and I get richer because of them. Win win. Someone once said that you know you've become a man because you stop focusing so much on yourself and teach others what you know. This extends to being a father, husband, coach, and leader. Maybe one day you will teach others your knowledge about bodybuilding, and maybe they will pay you as well.

 

[Zivic]

Maybe one day you will teach others your knowledge about bodybuilding, and maybe they will pay you as well.

I have talked to a fair amount of trainers; not what I want to do. granted everyone has a price, so maybe someone somewhere will have the right number.

What it takes to be successful is a good work ethic... not some mystical knowledge you or I have. People all think they know how to do things; better than you or me. I still hold fast that those that are motivated enough to have success can and most likely will do it on their own. This isn't really a team sport. it comes down to how bad you want it. sure some outside motivation can help but it isn't going to be the main reason you succeed or fail

 

[SP33Demon]

I have talked to a fair amount of trainers; not what I want to do. granted everyone has a price, so maybe someone somewhere will have the right number.

What it takes to be successful is a good work ethic... not some mystical knowledge you or I have. People all think they know how to do things; better than you or me. I still hold fast that those that are motivated enough to have success can and most likely will do it on their own. This isn't really a team sport. it comes down to how bad you want it. sure some outside motivation can help but it isn't going to be the main reason you succeed or fail

The problem is that while you or I may not lack motivation, 80% of the general populace does. They need someone to tell them what to do or they won't do it, or won't have the desire to learn how to do it on their own. We live in a culture where the avg joe will pay people to do things they don't want to learn how to do and that counts as their motivation. Sad, but that's what I've seen.

 

[Zivic]

The problem is that while you or I may not lack motivation, 80% of the general populace does. They need someone to tell them what to do or they won't do it, or won't have the desire to learn how to do it on their own. We live in a culture where the avg joe will pay people to do things they don't want to learn how to do and that counts as their motivation. Sad, but that's what I've seen.

you have to realize, if you are their motivation they will not succeed. doesn't matter how good you are as a trainer/coach. in reality, you would probably have better success with people being just a motivating mentor.

it's more than 80% of the population (in terms of working out motivation) 80% of people don't even workout. within the 20% that do, what percent do you think have any decent amount of motivation? maybe 10%. just because they walk in the door doesn't put them into the motivated category. the VAST MAJORITY of people do not want to be at the gym. They go there because they feel guilty for eating/drinking too much, plan on drinking too much, can't fit into their clothes, the scale says they are fat and an infinite number of other reasons than they actually want to be. I almost think it's worse when they want to pay someone. At that point they have resorted to believing that they will be more dedicated/motivated if I am paying someone. Now their success ...errr I mean their failure is your fault because they paid you do make them fit, strong, buff, lean 'TONE' or whatever BS term they came to you with.

short story:
fat chick comes into one of the gyms I train at. big monster @ss on her, flabby arms, the whole pear shaped body thing. trainer is a lady that is fit, lean with some size to her (relatively speaking). fat chick has the balls to say, well, I don't want to get big like you.... I hear the girl tell the trainer that. I almost walked over to the fat girl and ask; honey, why are you here? because you are too f^cking big... sorry, I meant to say because you are too f^cking FAT and you are worried you are going to get in too good of shape? Give me a damn break.