I am currently in a bit of a catch-22. The only gym in my area is one that seriously lacks free weights. The dumb bells go up to 40’s. Everything else is cybex and hammer strength machines. There are no EZ bars for curls, nor are there stable benches for heaving pressing. I haven’t been much of a fan of free weights for bodybuilding purposes anyway, but just when I started getting into free weights (despite shoulder pain/soreness), I was forced to move out (broke up with fiance). Now I’m at this gym that doesn’t have dumbbells that are heavy enough for hypertrophy. Any recommendations? My last Workout looked like this, it is a poliquin template with supersets between the A’s, then supersets between the B’s with ninety seconds rest in between sets:
Chest/Lattissusmus
A1: Hammer strength press 250x12, 275x8, 315 x 6 (not including neglible amount of weight from machine itself)
Its been proven. It doesn’t matter if its free weights or machines. All muscles know is tension. As long as you use enough weight and really work the muscle, then machines can work just as well as free weights.
Unless you live in a forest somewhere in Ontario, there`s no way the only close gym you have access to is the one you just described. Plenty of Goodlifes and Extreme Fitness all over the place.
If cost is an issue, search around the area or be willing to travel further.