<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Lee Michaels said:<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:Wow. I didn't realize there would be so much passion on this. When I
started working out (30 years ago), I did so first on universal gyms
and later on Nautilus-like machines.
Don't those restrict movements? I never got hurt using them. When I
started using free weights, I liked the richer feeling that I was using
more of my muscles. But, the one time I got hurt (moderately) was
pushing myself on free weights without a spotter.
Are universals and Nautilus-like machines somehow less rigid than a
Smith?
First off, don't top post.
And it ain't passion. It is, in fact,just the opposite.
And the word ain't rigid. It is linear. As in a straight line. As in
some
thing the human body is not capable of. What seems strait to you is
actual a
curve or two. When you take fleh, connective tissue, etc and force it to
move in a straight line, you will get hurt if you push it very hard and
long.
And many people do use a combo of machines and free weights.
But the smith machine type of movement is the worse by far. And if you
think that safety advice is somehow passion, I would suggest you find
something else to do for exercise. You don't seeem to understand or
appreciate the concept of safety.
Lee:
Thanks for the input. I might rephrase some of your conclusions to say
I'm trying to learn (after all, that is why I posted this forum . . to
try to gain insights from people like you who know more than me). I
did not understand that the movement of Smith machines was
significantly more harmful than others and I appreciate your taking the
time to point that out.
So, if I could test your patience once more . . . (and, if anyone else
cares to chime in), are there brands other than NY Barbells you would
recommend for machines? Precor (Consumer Reports rates some of their
aerobic machines high and my former gym had used their stuff).
Nautilus (my first commercial gym had used theirs)? Where would you
recommend I turn for more research (magazines, etc.)?
If you are talking power racks, sure, there are lots of manufacturers. The
reason that we often mention New York Barbells is that they offer the most
cost effective for most people who can not buy locally. They also offer an
impressive variety of equipment.
But if you are going to talk about the kind of eqipment in a commercial gym,
this ain't consumer gym equipment. These are two different types of animals.
The commercial equipment is not only much beefier, but MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE!!
Look around on the web. There are lots of manufacturers out there. But most
people want to buy consumer equipment.
And most people's primary interest is some kind of aerobic equipment too. I
always tell people, when buying an aerobic machine, to buy the biggest and
best they can afford. These are mechanical machines and wear out if used
much. (Most of them are not used that much) These can be usually picked up
for cheap through the ads.
If you are an aerobic machine freak, I also suggest that you buy at least
two if not three such machines. If you are going to place a continuous
stress on the body, you should change that stress around a bit. This reduces
overuse injuries, etc. And makes sure that you are getting machines that do
work different areas of the body. Two or three of the same or similar
machine will not do this.
Again, a power rack, pulley machine, olympic set, some dumbells, some mats
and maybe some back extension benches will be a fine home gym. After that,
it depends on how much space and money you have.
If you want to know more, you need to narrow the focus a little. What are
you trying to do? What is your budget? How much space do you have? Etc,
etc.
