#311: Machines vs. Free Weights

The coaches discuss the pros and cons of training with machines versus free weights, what they prefer, and how the value of specific machines differs depending on what stage of your lifting career you are in. How did the coaches view and utilize machines when they first started lifting? What are the downsides of starting with free weights? Which squat pattern does Brian think puts on the most muscle? Why does training to failure on a machine-based squat pattern often feel less demanding than training to failure on a barbell-based squat pattern? What are commonly underdeveloped muscles on those who only train with machines and how to prevent those muscles from becoming underdeveloped? Why aren’t all machines created equal? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps0:00- How the coaches viewed and utilized machines when they first started lifting 11:33- The argument against free weights & The argument against machines 35:27- The cost of biasing a muscle when performing a compound exercise 40:24- Learning how to use machines to work around injuries 46:09- The value of specific machines for intermediate versus advanced lifters 51:11- The coaches’ top free-weight highlights from their lifting careers 1:02:39- Some of the coaches’ favorite machines  Selected Links From This EpisodeCoaching By Team 3DMJ- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/massThanks for listening to The 3D Muscle Journey Podcast 💪 GET COACHING AND COURSES - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch our show on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/team3dmj