Artificial Fitness

The other night I turned the TV on while eating dinner and watched a couple minutes of the Biggest Loser (which I don't watch regularly). While watching, Jillian Michaels was yelling at her team about working out on machines, they apparently were to use free weights when they worked out on their own and instead choose to use machines. Anyhow, she called the machines an artificial workout that damages your joints and provides minimal results.

I liked the term "Artificial Workout", because this is basically what using a weight machine provides. I have been teaching this to my clients for years, but just lately it seems to be making its way into mainstream fitness.

When you use a machine you do not require the use of stabilizer muscles and are forced to move through unnatural movement patterns, both of which will result in injuries in the long run. 

Free weight, bodyweight, rubberband, and kettlebell exercises all allow your body to move in its natural patterns the way your body was designed. Using these types of exercises will also provide you with a better more productive workout.

Live Fit,

Josh