This was one of my posts that started some of the discussion.
Bill wrote:I think mostly of Universal, Nautilus, Strive, and all the other healthclub gadgets that isolate muscle groups. But the TV stuff is worse in a way. From Universal to Nautilus to Srive, we at least have a progression to machines that pay more and more attention to working strength in the entire range of motion. This addresses the issue of multiple muscles being used for simple motions, and each muscle emphasizing its contribution at some point in the range. Things like bo flex make BIG compromises in the name of economy and size.
In a perfect world, you have it all. One ideally should start with the open chain, classic lifts that use the most muscles, and require a lot of coordination. You exhaust and train your body FIRST on these very challenging exercises. Then you do cleanup work with the barbells, dumbbells, and - yes - machines. Some muscle groups like the hamstrings and the lats are best isolated and worked on with machines. And if you don't develop those hamstrings enough, you actually put yourself at risk for injury.
The worst case scenario is the guy who does the 20 to 30 minute machine station workout, and then tries to work his body hard on the playing field. The benefits of the machines are somewhat limiting. Furthermore, these folks typically end up with odd injuries (such as rotator cuff tears), and never know why.
No free lunch.
- Bill