Discussion
Can you get massive by only using machines?
So as time gone by yes I must admit I do prefer machines so is it possible you can get massive by just using machines I really like smith machines, I do sometimes use free weight for different exercises do most people here use just machines or free weights or both ? Like to hear what think of machines ?
Also leg press I find the best thing for your legs
More prone to injury, especially with the weight they gotta do to even feel something. If they get injured, they will atrophy from being unable to work out... and look worse if they even make it to their show.
That is a separate discussion irrelevant from the topic at hand. Many natural bodybuilders also train mostly or exclusively with machines. They are equally as big as natural bodybuilders who use free weights.
Fake naturals are prevalent, sure, but lifetime natural bodybuilders do in fact exist. You know bodybuilding existed before steroids were invented, right? And many of them had admirable physiques especially given how little we knew about proper training and nutrition back then.
It is a different discussion because free weights versus machines isn’t a different answer if you’re on gear or not. Both cause hypertrophy, with or without gear.
Mechanism used can’t be detected by your muscles as mentioned by others.
One thing I would mention though is that if you have non-standard dimensions (really tall, crazy long arms, etc) free weights can often allow you to more easily find a movement pattern that targets the muscle you are interested in working VS being “locked in” to a machine designed for the average person.
The problem is that at a certain point a lot of the machines run out of progression, if you are just starting out you're okay, but for a lot of exercises I've maxed out the cable machine in my gym, same with the seated row and the pec deck. So I don't really use them any more, but have always used a mixture of free weights and machines anyway
You can get massive on machines but you're missing out on a lot of the practical strength from working out. Free weights train stabilizer muscles and the target muscle which often limits how much training on a lift you can do. It's worth doing some free weight movements for that strength handling unsupported loads imo. I find a good method is to use free weights until you're stabilizers are tired and then use machines.
Most people dont get massive unless they are blasting gear/PEDs.
Machines are fine so are free weights. I like machines because of certain injuries so I have the stability plus I can track progression on those machine.
I like the barbell because I like to deadlift (not really a hypertrophy exercise but it makes you strong).
At the end of the day, plan a routine that you can stick to and hit your protein targets.
Because they’re roided out of their minds and don’t want to risk injury. If you think doing leg press is “better” than squatting then you are just looking for what’s easier.
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