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Hydraulic machines or free weights?

wildcats Posts: 8 Joined: 2003/01/29	2003/02/03, 10:57 AM At my gym we have the choice between hydraulics (Air, not water) machines and free weights machines. I'm using the free weights machines but for the leg press, I'm tempted to use the hydraulic machine for the simple fact it's more convenient and faster then putting 3-4 plates each side all the time and removing them after. Is this ok? Also, how long should a workout last?
743475 Posts: 4 Joined: 2003/02/03	2003/02/03, 01:56 PM hi wildcats, free weights are the way to go. they improve co-ordination a lot better. though a leg press is a machine not a free weight, you'd be better to keep your muscle warm while resting by getting up and changing the weights. general rule of thumb - if you can use a free weight to train a body part, do it, don't use a machine if you can help it, they are good, but not the best. good luck, Phil
wildcats Posts: 8 Joined: 2003/01/29	2003/02/03, 03:11 PM Hi Phil and thanks You are right, I meant the leg press machine were I put plates on each sides or the hydraulic machine where I would simply push a button until desired resistence.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/02/03, 03:16 PM I would opt for the leg press with the free weights. You might want to do and this is a great and underused growth method is with the air type machines, do isometrics. Few people do these anymore, and they are great for stimulating growth in certain areas. For example, after you do your leg presses, go over to the hydraulic machine, push it out to the extension you prefer, change it periodically, but hold there and then push the button for air till you can no longer hold it! Keep your finger on the button to realease. But make it worth your while. You will feel a great burn. Great growth stimulator. -------------- Failing to plan is like planning to fail!
wildcats Posts: 8 Joined: 2003/01/29	2003/02/03, 08:18 PM bb1 that sounds great, but our gym is on two floors, the machine with the free weight is downstairs and all the hydraulic machines are up stairs. There's never anyone on the hydraulic leg press so I guess could still run up the stairs to try it out. Might have a hard time getting down stairs after :P Thanks for the tip
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2003/02/03, 08:22 PM You do not have to superset them. Do your regular leg presses first, then when you are done with them, go upstairs and do the others. -------------- Failing to plan is like planning to fail!
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/02/04, 04:28 PM Hydraulics are water, pneumatics are air. Sorry to nitpick, but that's what I do . . . -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan