A Quick Recap: Why We Don’t Rely on Machines for Strength
As discussed in our previous blog post about why we don’t use machines to build strength, they have quite a few limitations.
1
Machines Limit Natural Movement
Machines are designed to move along a fixed path. While this can be useful in certain situations, it does not match an individual’s natural movement pattern. When using free weights, your muscles and joints work together to stabilise the movement.
2
Machines are Designed for ‘One Size Fits All’
We all have different body shapes, limb lengths and movement patterns. A machine cannot accommodate these differences to a high level. Barbells allow the body to more with more freedom.
3
Machines Have Limited Progression
Every machine has a maximum weight. Eventually, you reach the end of the weight stack. Machines also tend to have set weight jumps, often 2.5KG. Where as barbells allow you to make much smaller jumps in weight.
The Benefits of Barbells
At Body Mentors, our barbells start at just &KG and go up to 20KG. Meaning that almost anyone can begin learning and training with a barbell.
More importantly, barbells allow for extremely small increases in weight. With jumps as little as 0.5KG, you don’t have to worry about having to take big jumps. These small jumps may not seem like a lot, but over weeks, months and years, it all adds up.
Barbells have enormous long term potential, the limiting factors are the bar maximum capacity and, more realistically, your own ability to continue getting stronger. Most Olympic barbels have extremely high weight capacities, meaning there is plenty of room for progression. For the vast majority of people, you will never outgrow a barbell
The Downsides of Barbells
Of course, barbells aren’t perfect for every situation. One of the most common issues with barbells especially when it comes to the low bar back squat is the ability to get under the bar in the correct position. Poor position, especially close to the neck, can be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Fortunately, there is a perfect alternative.
The Safety Squat Bar
The safety squat bar allows you to continue squatting with a barbell while reducing the shoulder mobility requirement of a traditional back squat. The padded design sits comfortable across the shoulders, whilst handles positioned in front to allow you to still control the bar. It is excellent for people who:
- Have limited shoulder mobility
- Find traditional bar position too uncomfortbale
- Are returning from certain injuries
As much as we love the traditional barbell, the safety squat bar is still an incredible alternative.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, when it comes to strength training, there is no better way than by using a barbell. When building long term meaningful strength, dumbbells and machines just don’t quite cut it. They allow you to move how your body wants to naturally move, progress in the appropriate increments and continue progressing for years.
Small progress, consistently applied, leads to big results.
