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[supermark21]

Originally Posted by MMAPIMP

if you want to get strnger you can take steroid you wont get caught just ask tim sylvia

a couple of those team hammerhouse guys too. they must piss pure testosterone

[Furious Styles]

I would suppose if you are simply looking to get a "pump" or look real good, freeweights would be a better option. As many have stated, freeweights allow you to target more than one muscle group and there is also the the inclusion of stabalizing muscles that would not be utilizied with a machine.

However, like Matt Hughes and SM21 pointed out; lifting weights does not translate into real world functional strength. Someone may be able to bench press 150 lbs. more than Matt Hughes, but that does not correlate to strength inside the octagon and the ability to overpower someone. Leverage and position are vital, and the ability to use power from akward positions (usually unrelated to workout positions ie. lying flat for bench press, sitting and doing preacher curls.)

[killerinstinct]

Originally Posted by MMAPIMP

if you want to get strnger you can take steroid you wont get caught just ask tim sylvia

Tim did get caught.Right after his fight with Gan McGee.

[matto]

ya that fuckin asshole him and his steroids, but if u want to look ripped use machines and freeweights like i do, mix it up and just do it alot and then ull start seeing lots of muscle.

[Hypergit]

Originally Posted by Clint

Yeah rich isn't trying to improve his max strength, he's after muscle endurance (lactic acid threshold) which is better suited towards machine work since your working to failure and don't want to risk an injury right before a fight.

Makes sense - good answer. I guess endurance is not as essencial in the smaller muscles then? If it were then light free weights with a spotter would seem to be better, or does that still increase injury risk compared to machines?

Originally Posted by Matto

you can build more muscle with machines, u dont have to stabilize the weight and u can lift more, i can bench 320 on a smith machine but cannot do it with free weights because u have to stabilize it

320? Jeez you must be big. I understand that machines will build more muscle in the primary movers as they are perfectly isolated, however I've always thought this was undesirable as the stabilizers/synergists will frequently get injured in the cage. Also, the strength is 'less useful' in combat because it can only act -effectively- in the machines' direction.

I could well be wrong here, just that's what I've always read and been told. I've also found it to be true that my gargantuan rugby team mates pull small muscles & ligaments etc far too often and I've always assumed their machines were the cause.

git.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by Hypergit

Makes sense - good answer. I guess endurance is not as essencial in the smaller muscles then? If it were then light free weights with a spotter would seem to be better, or does that still increase injury risk compared to machines?



320? Jeez you must be big. I understand that machines will build more muscle in the primary movers as they are perfectly isolated, however I've always thought this was undesirable as the stabilizers/synergists will frequently get injured in the cage. Also, the strength is 'less useful' in combat because it can only act -effectively- in the machines' direction.

I could well be wrong here, just that's what I've always read and been told. I've also found it to be true that my gargantuan rugby team mates pull small muscles & ligaments etc far too often and I've always assumed their machines were the cause.

git.

Yeah I think the free weights would still be better for endurance but it's a risk vs outcome deal. It's not worth the risk of an injury even with a spotter that close to a fight to warrent using free weights (atleast in Rich's eyes).

Although I know some fighters do use free weights for endurance. Somewhere on youtube is a Randy Couture barbell complex with about 8 different exercises that he does without ever laying the bar down.

Your right about machines leading to more injuries in the long run, because your stabilizer muscles haven't grown. Machines have their uses but should take 2 seat to free weights.

[TapOut27]

I think he is using machines because he is probably circuit training. Free weights are not as practical in circuit training. CT also helps build muscle stamina.

[TN94z]

I agree. He is not as interested in the weight as much as building his stamina. I forget the name of the machines but it is the same product that alot of the NFL teams use. I know that Gold's Gym has them. Anyway, they are as close to free weights on a machine as you can get. They have a pretty good range of motion but are not set in stone like most machines. And they isolate each side like dumbbells. That looks like some of the equipment he is using in the video. They are very good and they actually work the stabilizing muscles also. If I remember the name of the equipment I will post it up. It may be Hammer Strength, I'll have to check.

[supermark21]

Originally Posted by TN94z

I agree. He is not as interested in the weight as much as building his stamina. I forget the name of the machines but it is the same product that alot of the NFL teams use. I know that Gold's Gym has them. Anyway, they are as close to free weights on a machine as you can get. They have a pretty good range of motion but are not set in stone like most machines. And they isolate each side like dumbbells. That looks like some of the equipment he is using in the video. They are very good and they actually work the stabilizing muscles also. If I remember the name of the equipment I will post it up. It may be Hammer Strength, I'll have to check.

he did come down from 205 and im sure he had to sacrifice a little muscle so he really cant afford to gain too much either.

did he use alot of cable work? because those are similar to freeweights for the most part. thats the bowflex point of view

[KnowledgeKnown]

I've always felt a combination of free weights and machines works very well. There are great reasons for both. Dumbbells are essential for me however I don't do alot of benching, pull ups are my favorite, but for biceps I also use macines to isolate the muscle. Biceps are sometimes hard to hit with free weights once you start to tire and lose your form.