Where Machines Come Into Play in Your Workout Routine
If you've followed my advice before, you know I’m a big fan of free weights and cables. And for good reason. Most of us have a limited amount of time in the gym, and I firmly believe free weights and cables offer the most bang for your buck.
Why? Because they create a greater muscular and neurological load. Simply put — they force your body to stabilize, coordinate, and engage more muscles, leading to better results in less time.
But does that mean machines are useless? Not at all.
In fact, there are several situations where machines are the smart (and sustainable) choice. Here are my top three:
1. For Beginners Learning Their Way Around the Gym
If you’re new to working out, machines can offer a confidence boost. They guide your range of motion, reduce the chance of poor form, and many include diagrams (or QR codes for video demos) to help you use them correctly. For someone just starting out, this can make the gym feel a lot less intimidating.
2. When You’re Working Around an Injury
Machines can help you continue to train without aggravating an injury. Say you’ve got a broken foot — lugging around dumbbells for a bench press isn’t realistic. But a machine chest press can give you a similar movement pattern without the added strain or setup hassle. Machines can keep you moving when free weights aren’t feasible.
3. On Days When You're Mentally or Physically Drained
Some days, you're just not feeling it. Whether you're low on sleep, energy, or motivation, machines can offer a lower-effort way to still get in a workout. They require less coordination and less mental focus, but you’re still showing up — and that matters.
There are other valid reasons to use machines, too, but these are the most common ones I see.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, something is always better than nothing. If machines are the only way you’re going to get a workout in — by all means, use them.
That said, when possible, I encourage you to work toward using more free weights and cables. The stimulus is greater, the results more impactful, and they build the kind of strength that translates best to real life.
Machines aren’t bad. They’re just a tool — and knowing when to use the right tool makes all the difference.
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