Has anyone built a great deal of muscle using just machines?

[Maximilian]

I remember when I first set foot in a gym ~ 9 years ago and they only had weight machines, cardio machines and a single dumbell rack with a lot of dumbells missing. Of the couple of gyms ive been to this seems pretty typical.

I have a fantastic home power rack, bench and barbell setup im making good progress with so im not interested in machines at all but I just wonder has anyone ever succeeded using just machines? Or are they just there to entice people to join or...?

 

[Ventanni]

I don't know if you would consider this a "great deal" of muscle, but I'm at about 38% muscle using primarily machines (6' 206lbs). Currently trying to break the 40% barrier. I also do a lot of body weight exercises like dips and pullups, and I've recently started using kettlebells.

I see no reason machines can't be an effective way of building muscle, since building muscle has more to do with consistency and diet than anything. It's not that I don't enjoy free weights. It's just that they have a tendency to require a spotter more, and going to the gym alone doesn't always allow me that flexibility. So, I use machines, and to pretty great results.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Trust in barbells. Follow naught the false prophet nautilus.

 

[classy]

No

 

[saratoga172]

Depends on the exercises. When I first started working out I leaned and gained a bit using primarily machines. Never been full on.

Biggest area I hit with machines are quads. But that may be skewed because I do squats and lunges.

If sticking with it I see no reason it can't be effective but free weights will still give a better overall build.

 

[Zivic]

I remember when I first set foot in a gym ~ 9 years ago and they only had weight machines, cardio machines and a single dumbell rack with a lot of dumbells missing. Of the couple of gyms ive been to this seems pretty typical.

I have a fantastic home power rack, bench and barbell setup im making good progress with so im not interested in machines at all but I just wonder has anyone ever succeeded using just machines? Or are they just there to entice people to join or...?

I'm sure someone out there has, but if you ask me no, I've never seen it

of all the gyms (and fitness centers) I have gone to, people have a hard enough time building any sort of muscle regardless of machines or free weights. Many do, however, succeed in getting fatter

 

[z1ggy]

I use barbells and dumbells as much as I can. I use the "cable machine" stuff for tricep push downs and lat pull downs, but thats really it. I don't think I've ever done the chest press machine or shoulder press machine or any of that...

 

[brad310]

body builders do it all the time. but their goals are different than that of an athlete or other strength based need. body builders want plump muscles and low body fat. Strength is a non-issue. It comes at a slower pace.

what you have to be mindful of is that machines dont build strength like a barbell or dumbell will. Strength is not the same as muscle. machines have their place, but they are over represented and overused for sure compared to barbell and dumbell work.

Take your favorite pec dec or bicep curl machine for example. You dont use them to build strength, you use them to fill the muscle with blood, fatigue it, get that pump as a finisher. Those do help build 'muscle', and to a much smaller degree, strength.

In short, i would say yes...they do build muscle. Every globogym is filled with proof. What they are missing though, is the neuromuscular aspect. balance. placing your skeleton under a load without a pre-defined path.

 

[Ventanni]

A machine will build muscle the same way a free weight will. The difference is you likely won't be using as many stabilizing muscles to perform the action, but you will absolutely build muscle (where there's a load, there's a response). There are pros and cons to both, but you're right, if you want to go the more professional route, go free weights or go home. Machines have a tendency to be safer overall though, and for the vast majority of gym goers, that's just fine.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I remember seeing a segment from one of those life in prison MSNBC type shows. The inmates had a typical gym multi-station machine. Probably because free weights are potential weapons. And the guys were yoked. The guy they were interviewing looked like he had access to steroids. Or excellent genetics where physique is concerned.

 

[purbeast0]

all of those guys on the weight equipment infomercials like bowflex and ab chairs and what not seem to be very muscular!

/sarcasm

 

[pauldun170]

Machines are fine for something. Maybe toning or building certain muscles.
I think...maybe. I can't remember.

I do know they are a favorite for the New Years resolution crowd and the "I'm here to get in shape for my wedding and I heard that this will give you really tone arms!!" crowd.

If you want to build muscle, I would probably eat and try and pick up the individual machines. Maybe train by moving them from one side of the room to another. When you are completely buffed out on that, try carry the machines up stairs or lifting them over your head.
That's what I would do

 

[smackababy]

I hardly think they won't build muscles, but they certainly aren't the best. Look at a chest press machine; while you might be able to chest press 200lbs, you couldn't bench 80% of that because you aren't working any of the other muscles involved in stabilizing the weight. Same principle with leg press. You might be able to move a lot of weight on a slide, but you can't actually lift or support any of that weight.

I think a body builder could argue when they want to only increase the size of a very specific muscle for cosmetic reasons, a machine might be worth it. Otherwise, you're much better off using free weights. The "I don't have a spotter" argument isn't valid. I have lifted for years without a dedicated spotter. I know my limits and lift enough that I know I couldn't do another rep. And, in the strange event I am uncertain whether I can do a certain weight, it isn't very hard to ask someone between their sets "hey, could you spot me on this set please?" I have never been turned down, nor have I ever turned someone down that request.

 

[Zivic]

I have never been turned down, nor have I ever turned someone down that request.

I have... people get pretty intimidated when they see 4 wheels on the bench

 

[smackababy]

I have... people get pretty intimidated when they see 4 wheels on the bench

I suppose if you're not strong enough to be of any assistance, you would decline. =)

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

I remember seeing a segment from one of those life in prison MSNBC type shows. The inmates had a typical gym multi-station machine. Probably because free weights are potential weapons. And the guys were yoked. The guy they were interviewing looked like he had access to steroids. Or excellent genetics where physique is concerned.

This. I actually did a short stint in prison and saw guys get absolutely ripped with nothing but bodyweight exercises.

 

[gar655]

The guy they were interviewing looked like he had access to steroids.

It's prison, of course he had access to steroids and a multitude of other drugs.

 

[Blackjack200]

The "I don't have a spotter" argument isn't valid. I have lifted for years without a dedicated spotter. I know my limits and lift enough that I know I couldn't do another rep. And, in the strange event I am uncertain whether I can do a certain weight, it isn't very hard to ask someone between their sets "hey, could you spot me on this set please?" I have never been turned down, nor have I ever turned someone down that request.

Sure it's valid, it's as valid as any other excuse, and it's validity is determined by the individual. For me, dismemberment would be valid excuse not to lift. But there's a guy on Rippetoe's site that only has one arm and does all the lifts. For him, it is not a valid excuse.

I used to use the spotter excuse too, until I wanted to get strong badly enough that I figured out how to perform all the lifts safely without spotters.

 

[brad310]

I know ppl may not have the space or $$, but if spotting or working alone is an issue...look into getting your own power rack. I got an R-3 from rogue years ago and it has already been worth every penny. Safety pins are better spotters than anyone ever could be. Ive bailed squats. Failed bench presses. It allows you to push when otherwise you wouldnt...and guess what, sometimes you dont fail when you think you will.

/rant.

 

[norseamd]

use machines and free weights and body weight excercises. machines limit your range of motion and you need to work your support muscles not just the prime mover muscles

 

[Maximilian]

I know ppl may not have the space or $$, but if spotting or working alone is an issue...look into getting your own power rack. I got an R-3 from rogue years ago and it has already been worth every penny. Safety pins are better spotters than anyone ever could be. Ive bailed squats. Failed bench presses. It allows you to push when otherwise you wouldnt...and guess what, sometimes you dont fail when you think you will.

/rant.

Bodycraft F430 master race reporting in :thumbsup:

 

[smackababy]

I know ppl may not have the space or $$, but if spotting or working alone is an issue...look into getting your own power rack. I got an R-3 from rogue years ago and it has already been worth every penny. Safety pins are better spotters than anyone ever could be. Ive bailed squats. Failed bench presses. It allows you to push when otherwise you wouldnt...and guess what, sometimes you dont fail when you think you will.

/rant.

If I had the room, I'd gladly set up a power rack in my house / garage / whatever. Sadly, I get to pay $24 a month to workout in a gym filled with old people doing rehab. Thankfully, I never have to wait for weights. I only have to put up with the dirty looks I get because I am a young male with tattoos in a neighborhood full of uptight, rich white people >_<

 

[SP33Demon]

Define "a great deal of muscle". Does this guy (Herschel Walker) count:

Because he only does bodyweight exercises.

"Walker stated in a phone interview on The Jim Rome Show on November 20, 2006 that he still performs 2,500 sit-ups and 1,500 push ups every morning. He has been going through this same routine every morning since high school."

In his YouTube interview he refers to doing 2000 pushups, 3000 situps, 1500 pullups and 1000 dips.

So short answer: yes you can get big off only resistance machines, and even just bodyweight. If you can do 1000 dips and chins every day, you are going to put on a lot of mass. The same goes for 1000 bench presses or incline presses on a resistance machine every day.

 

[Zivic]

Define "a great deal of muscle". Does this guy (Herschel Walker) count:

Because he only does bodyweight exercises.


So short answer: yes you can get big off only resistance machines, and even just bodyweight. If you can do 1000 dips and chins every day, you are going to put on a lot of mass. The same goes for 1000 bench presses or incline presses on a resistance machine every day.

he is a genetic freak.

I have a kid that trains at my gym... maybe 2 days a week. couple sets of pullovers and some curls. You see him out of the street you'd think he uses. some people just have it

 

[norseamd]

he is a genetic freak. I have a kid that trains at my gym... maybe 2 days a week. couple sets of pullovers and some curls. You see him out of the street you'd think he uses. some people just have it

move a pinky and i gain a lb. but i am lazy and have back problems so i am not in good shape. never really could gain muscle until my late teens though. but i have always been very athletic. used to do tons of soccer and long distance running