Benefits of using the machines in the gym, adding in free weights, and how a working with a trainer shows the best of both.

I know, you had your workout routine all set. Then you got to the gym and all the equipment you wanted for routine was taken. Or you just got a gym membership, but not sure what to do. So you arrive and spend 45 minutes on the treadmill. I’ll level with ya. The gym can be an intimidating place. Lots of complicated looking machines out there.

Speaking of complicated looking machines, let me tell a quick story before I continue with the purpose of this blog:There’s a machine near the spin studio where I work, Equinox on the Miracle Mile. I call it the Jane Fonda machine. I wasn’t much a fan of it early on for my own reasons. And for months(on months) I’ve never EVER seen anyone using it. No trainers either, just a machine collecting dust. . But I tried it a few more times, and kinda realized that there’s value in this machine. So I started training my clients with this machine if it matched their goals. And what do you know? The more I use it for my clients, the more I see members trying it out. Hey, they’re watching, I’ve always known that.

All the equipment in a gym could (ehem ) have some value. The machines are beneficial in that, stabilization isn’t factor. They’re safe and effective. Likely you’d be able to add more resistance using machines vs free weights. At EQUINOX on the Miracle Mile there are various machines to address the meat and potatoes of a workout:

• Vertical push/ Vertical pull
• Horizontal push/ pull
• Knee dominant (squat-ish, quads)
• Hip Dominant (rear end/ hamstrings)

Then there’s the machines for the accessories:

• Bicep curls
• Tricep Extensions
• Leg extensions
• Hamstring curls

Injury risk of working out using machines is minimal as proper form isn’t the factor it is when using free weights. Speaking of!!!

The meathead zone(free weights)side of the gym has been really crowded lately. Lots of members slamming weights on the floor, burpees into jump rope! All kinds of crazy sh*t. But I love to see it! Regardless of your fitness goals, lifting heavy weights should apart of it(progressed appropriately). But unlike machines, free weights require proper form as the muscles that stabilize our bodies are also a factor.

So how can we ensure that we’re lifting with proper form? When should we use machines vs free weights. What if I had a plan for my workout, but all the machines I wanted to use are taken?? (Tada!!!!)

Two of the main challenges for most to working with a personal trainer are about expenses and time. I get it. But why pay for a membership to a luxury gym to only sit on a treadmill for 50 minutes because you don’t what to do, or don’t have time? And if you had a workout plan(but probably not), but the equipment you wanted to use was taken so you decided to treadmill your day away?Read on.

Us personal trainers in the corporate gyms also have a plan for our clients. But we get out there and equipment is taken. But we’re able to adjust the routine via free weights/ machines or otherwise to ensure you get a quality workout. When I started as a personal trainer all I had was a resistance band and set of dumbbells. But I’m still confident that that’s all I need.

Working with a qualified fitness professional ensures that you get the most out of the hour that you’ve spent in the gym.You wanted to workout on a machine but it’s taken? I can show you the other machine. You wanted a free weight? I can show you the other free weight( or machine), that helps the same goals.

Hire a personal trainer, it’s well worth it!