When it comes to weight training, resistance machines are a really place to start. Nothing can replace the all round strength building quality of a free weight compound movement however, working on resistance machines when you’re a beginner can be a really good way of building a foundation of strength in a safer way. Beginners can learn the basic principles involved in movement patterns, build your confidence in the gym and help you extend a gym session with significantly lower injury risks. Here we will discuss the way resistance machines can be incorporated into your beginner gym routines and discuss the advantages of training at a gym like Stack House, which has an abundance of resistance machines available to members. Resistant machines are the best alternative to free weightsIf you are a complete beginner to the gym and to weight training, you may feel less comfort with training with dumbbells or a barbell, and so resistance machines are the best alternative to these free weights. Whether you are replacing the dumbbell overhead press with a machine shoulder press, or a squat with a leg press, the idea is that you are using the same muscles on the machines as you would be with the free weights. While you’re still getting to grips with what your gym routine should look like and how to safely execute movement patterns, resistance machines will likely be your best friend. Using these machines can help strengthen the key muscle groups used in compound free weight movements, so if and when you’re ready to introduce the free weight movements into your routine, your body will be well equipped to adapt to something new. Resistant machines are fantastic at simulating free weightMany of the resistance machines we have around the gym at Stack House are fantastic at simulating free weight movements. Because of this, you can learn how a movement is supposed to feel. Many of the principles you learn in using free weights carries over to resistance machines. For example, the principle of keeping your shoulder blades depressed during a bench press is something that carries over into the use of free weights. As such, you can learn how to safely execute both movements properly with the added security of the resistance machine equivalent. You can also understand how a movement is supposed to “feel”. This is something that is a little less tangible and will vary from person to person. However, the basic outline is that you learn to feel the muscle or muscle group that you are exercising. Resistance machines are arguably the best place to learn that principle, as the machine allows you to move the weight slower, more safely and focus your mind on the muscle that you are training with fewer variables to concentrate on. A great way to build confidence in the gymThey are a fantastic way for people less familiar with the gym environment to build confidence. The confidence that a person can build from doing exercises they are more physically (and emotionally) more comfortable doing so they can familiarise themselves with the gym first is invaluable. This is where our friendly and helpful staff come in. We can give you a brief demonstration, or for a more in-depth teaching of how to perform difference exercises, we can point you in the direction of one of our personal trainers who will be more than happy to help you along your fitness journey. However, if you are looking to simply familiarise yourself in the setting, resistance machines are definitely a great confidence builder in the early days of your fitness journey. Resistance machines still play a vital role if your are learning free weight movementsIf you are someone who has jumped straight into learning the free weight movements, then resistance machines will still play a vital role in your training as a beginner. The principles of safely lifting free weights carry over into virtually all the machines, but they also allow you to really push yourself in a safe way. For example, you can extend a really good shoulder workout by jumping on the Panatta multi-fly machine and executing machine lateral raises. The machine puts you in the optimal position to carry out the exercise, so you can really push yourself safely. Or, for example, you can go from using the bench press to a heavy set on the chest press machine, knowing that if you hit failure, you can safely let go of the handles without risking injury. Get the most out of your gym by speaking to professional TrainersThese are just some of the reasons why resistance machines are excellent for beginners. However, for an even better understanding, why not speak to a personal trainer who can really help push you and start your journey off as you wish it to continue. Alternatively, most gyms offer inductions so you can feel confident navigating the gym setting. Speak to your gym for more information!