Here’s a big question in the fitness world: Do you need
machines to get fit?
The short answer: No.
Here’s a very quick history lesson: Before the 1950s, gyms
didn’t have machines, just barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells
and other similar implements. And people got fit!
In the ‘50s, the first machines appeared. In the beginning,
they were homemade, but soon they became more advanced,
and then large Universal gym stations appeared. Before long,
Universals were everywhere. In the ‘70s, expensive and more
complex Nautilus machines were all the rage. By the mid-
‘80s, even more advanced machines were designed, and the
“modern gym” was born.
In the 2000s, CrossFit and functional training brought
gymnastics equipment, barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells
back to the forefront. Other minimalist programs appeared as
well, such as Insanity, Tae Bo, P90X and so on.
Functional and minimalist training proved what old-timers
already knew: You can get very fit without using any machines
at all.
In many of these “throwback gyms,” clients meticulously
tracked workout results and saw measurable and impressive
increases in strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, agility,
speed and power. These improvements were often
accompanied by other changes: less body fat, more muscle,
weight loss, etc.
As this style of training went mainstream, gyms sprang up all
over the world, and an increasing number of people
embraced machine-free training with fantastic results. Of
course, these gyms often have some machines: treadmills,
rowing and ski ergometers, and air bikes are common. Some
even have cable stations or a few of the machines often seen
in other gyms.
What About Machines?
The machines you see in large commercial gyms aren’t “bad.”
They just might not be optimally suited to your goals.
Here’s what we’ve learned from 100 years of evolution in the
fitness industry: Coaching and consistency are actually more
important than the exact implements you use. And a coach
shouldn’t be tied only to one program or set of equipment. A
truly great coach works closely with clients to create the best
program for each one. The coach will draw from a wealth of
knowledge and take into account the client’s preferences and
goals.
For some, the program might involve machine training, but
others might use free weights and gymnastics movements in
one-on-one or group settings. Some clients might prefer to
train in the basement with common household objects and an
online coach.
A good coach helps a client accomplish goals, and that can
be done with or without machines.
At our facility, we don’t focus on machines, but we could
definitely use them to create a program that would help a
client get fitter. Instead, we generally work with body-weight
movements and free weights to help people accomplish
goals. The benefit of this plan is that it allows us to train the
body as a whole using “compound movements.” Machines
tend to isolate one body part.
For example, the leg-extension machine is for the quads.
Now think about a barbell squat: It works the quads and all
the other leg muscles, as well as your abs and spinal
erectors. Good lifters even use their upper backs and
shoulders in squats. We use barbells, dumbbells and other
objects because you can train a host of muscles at once—
including the core.
This style of training has many benefits: You work more
muscles in less time, you improve core strength, you train the
body as a whole, and you generate an impressive metabolic
response that causes your body to make positive changes.
We also track progress so you don’t have to wonder if you’re
getting fitter. Your results will prove it, and our coaches will
constantly check in to make adjustments to the plan to
ensure you’re on track.
So machines can be used in a fitness program, but they aren’t
essential. In fact, other styles of training are more effective if
you have certain goals.
The best way to find out what style of training is right for you?
Book a free consultation with us. We’ll sit down, answer your
questions, find out about your goals and then tell you exactly
how you can accomplish them.
Click HERE to meet with a coach and create a plan to improve your fitness!
