Circuit Machine vs. Free Weights

[KevinK]

So I got a gym membership finally and the owner of the gym gave me a quick orientation. i showed him my Beginner's Routine and he said he was surprised at how advanced some of the exercises were that were picked for a Beginner's routine. He offered some alternative exercises including many on 'Circuit machines' so I could gain strength before going into harder free weight exercises.

Is this a good idea?

[Toroso]

I don't see a problem with using machines per se. I used them for legs primarily in a previous time. I didn't like upper body machines as I found it difficult to set right for my shoulders.

[nrmyers]

Originally Posted by KevinK

So I got a gym membership finally and the owner of the gym gave me a quick orientation. i showed him my Beginner's Routine and he said he was surprised at how advanced some of the exercises were that were picked for a Beginner's routine. He offered some alternative exercises including many on 'Circuit machines' so I could gain strength before going into harder free weight exercises.

Is this a good idea?

It really can't hurt. My trainer did the same thing for me. Doing machines will help you get a base so you don't hurt yourself using free weights. They work a lot more muscles because you have to support the weight and you want to make sure you can handle it.

[dodgybob]

Starting off with light free weights >>>>>> starting off with machines imo.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by KevinK

So I got a gym membership finally and the owner of the gym gave me a quick orientation. i showed him my Beginner's Routine and he said he was surprised at how advanced some of the exercises were that were picked for a Beginner's routine. He offered some alternative exercises including many on 'Circuit machines' so I could gain strength before going into harder free weight exercises.

Is this a good idea?

Tell him you want to do the beginners routine rather than circuit training

[KevinK]

Originally Posted by Doug

Tell him you want to do the beginners routine rather than circuit training

I did this, and he showed me how to do some of the free weight exercises, and my form was totally off on most of them. I couldn't really feel where my muscle was getting the work out so I wouldn't know if I was doing it right anyway.

[yitmy]

Machines may not fit you...I recommend sticking with free weights. You may want to be friendly and seek a work out partner which should help you and him to correct any difficulties in your or his/her program.

[KevinK]

Yeah after wrestling season my friend is going to start lifting with me and I think we'll progress equally, considering we've got extremely similar body types. So we'll critique each other.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

[IvanTheTerible]

Originally Posted by KevinK

Yeah after wrestling season my friend is going to start lifting with me and I think we'll progress equally, considering we've got extremely similar body types. So we'll critique each other.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I workout from home and the room I workout with has 1 wall that is covered entirely by a large mirror.

I find that preforming my workout in the mirror I can watch what I am doing and make sure I am following the strictest of form while exercising.

This site has an awesome section showing you videos of each exercise.... STUDY these videos , then Simulate them in the gym , either with a friend Critiquing you or in the Mirror !

http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/main.html

Hope that info helps !

[KevinK]

Thanks dude. Yeah I'll be sure to check myself out. See things I couldn't have seen. Thanks again