When I do bicep curls with freeweights, I can do 15 lbs in each hand. When I do them on the bicep machine, I can only do 15 or 20 lbs total. Why is this?
2007-02-27 18:05:45 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Some of you are not reading this correctly. I can do LESS weight on the machine. MORE weight with free weights.
2007-02-28 06:42:51 · update #1
machines limit the natural movement of the body, they are too linear in motion as they only move in 2 of the 3 planes of motion. they are useful to supplement the free weight based training routine.
2007-02-27 18:28:42 · answer #1 · answered by lv_consultant 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The comment about you looking like a man is wrong. As a female, you lack the testosterone to develop that sort of muscle mass in your upper body.
The way that a machine works is different from free weights. Part of the reason is that you're not having to balance the weight in your hand when you use a machine. This makes it possible to lift more, but it doesn't work your smaller muscle groups as much.
The main reason is that the "weight" you're lifting on a machine (depending on the type of machine) either:
1) indicates the weight of the plates themselves without accounting for any mechanical advantage inherant in the design of the machine, or
2) is an estimate of the resisatance required to complete the cycle of motion without being directly tied to any actual "weight"
2007-02-28 02:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by katlyn: Yahoo chat fugitive 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you're probably using different muscle groups wether you realize it or not. try doing inclined dumbell curls to isolate the bicep. you'll realize that you are using just the bicep with this excercise if you really concentrate on contracting just the bicep. When you use a machine your palms are straight up and depending on the distance between your hands it can really change which groups of muscles you use. if you're looking to define your biceps, try the hammer curl with 10 pounds and higher reps. always squeeze at the top with biceps and make sure you aren't swinging your arms around like an idiot. good form is crucial for bis. I'm sure every expert is going to have an opinion about this, but try my advice first.
2007-02-28 02:10:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The amount of "weight you're doing" on the machine isn't necessarily measured accurately. The free weights are the most accurate measure of how much weight you are capable of lifting.
2007-02-28 23:19:45 · answer #4 · answered by I am that damn good. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the machine puts your arms in a position that isolates only your biceps and it doesnt allow you to cheat(swaying or bending backwards
2007-02-28 03:30:15 · answer #5 · answered by ronwilcox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
free weights are more strenuous on the muscles do to the fact that they are not balanced, it works more muscle in order to lift the weight while keeping in a balanced line, machine weights are set to move in one linear direction and do not require any extra exertion to remain stable.
2007-02-28 02:10:15 · answer #6 · answered by crazychico50 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
machines are never correct due to cables and hydrolics.
always with free weight you know you are really working at it.
do not use machines they are incorrect
2007-02-28 02:08:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you dont want to do a lot of weight if you're a girl... you should stick to 5-10 pounds for toning otherwise your arms will get bulky and you will look like a man.
2007-02-28 02:08:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋