1. I’m still of the opinion that machines are not designed for short people. Exhibit a) and b): the tricep and the ab machines. When I’m using them, my elbows don’t touch the pads that elbows are supposed to rest on. This means that I’m not stable (physically, I’m never stable mentally ).

2. When I got to the gym, there was a line 5 people long waiting for the elipticals. I like elipticals. They’re how I normally do cardio. But I wasn’t wllling to wait for free machines. “Oh freck,” I said to myself, using somewhat more colourful language, “I guess I can’t do cardio today.” And then it registered that there’s a track looping around the gym. Yeah… it was a “palm meet forehead” moment. So I walked / ran on the track and it worked fairly well. I spent 18 minutes and did just over 2 km. I’m hoping to up that in the near future.

And, for the records, here’s what I did today:
- chest presses: 50 lbs x 9 reps (too heavy)
- upper back: 50 lbs x 12 reps (slightly too heavy)
- shoulder raises: 50 lbs x 12 reps
- abs: 50 lbs x 12 reps
- lower back extensions: 12 reps
- bi-cep curls: 28 lbs x 10 reps
- trip-ceps: 25 lbs x 12 reps (hated the machine)
- cardio: 18 minutes walk/run, 2.25 km (1.4 miles)

TTFN,
Julie

You’re short?  You look tall in your picture. 

I’m sure you mentioned this before.  And I’m sure that when you did, I told you I’m just under 5’0”, and that the picture is just my face.  But, what the heck, consider this a second mention.

Julie

I wish I had an indoor track… you are so lucky.

I know what you mean about machines. I used to go to a women’s gym that had nautilus machines that were supposed to be sized smaller.  They did seem to fit better.

Sometimes those machines have adjustments that will let you move stuff around so it fits better - maybe you could check with the folks you said are supposed to be hanging around to help.

An alternate idea: when I was still going to a real gym, I would do press downs on a cable using the ropes or a bar to work my triceps. There’s nothing to fit (or not) since you’re just standing there hanging on to the end of a cable.

Julie - 08 March 2006 11:24 PM

I’m sure you mentioned this before.  And I’m sure that when you did, I told you I’m just under 5’0”, and that the picture is just my face.  But, what the heck, consider this a second mention.

Julie

You’re right - now I remember.  I guess you just seem taller online. 

Laura,

Yes, the machines are adjustable.  And yes, I’m still too small, even at the smallest setting.  (Sigh...)

I’m planning on going back to using the pulley for my triceps.  I absolutely and utterly loathe the machine.  The ab one isn’t bad, but I simply can’t isolate the muscle on the tricep machine because my arms are shaking and there’s nothing to anchor to.

Thanks for the advice!

Julie

Julie - 09 March 2006 09:28 AM

The ab one isn’t bad, but I simply can’t isolate the muscle on the tricep machine because my arms are shaking and there’s nothing to anchor to.

Julie,

if it’s any consolation, that “shaking” means you’re working the stabilizer muscles as well as the tricep.  But I’ve become a big fan of the cable machine and free weights for exactly that reason—they fit my odd-sized body, and I have to do more of the work.

(You should have seen my first set of military and bench presses with dumbbells.  Talk about shaky!)

Cheers,

Ambar

Julie - any chance the shaking means you should drop back a little on the weight? I don’t recall shaking until I got to the end of my sets.

So do you feel totally fierce now that you can throw the iron around.

Hi Laura,

I don’t think it’s the weight itself that’s causing the shaking, but that my arms are at a weird angle because they’re too short for the machine.  I was using the absolute lowest weight and it wasn’t that I was having a problem pushing it down, but that I didn’t feel stable because I wasn’t “anchored” to anything.  I’ve used the pulley system with much more success, and I think I’ll go back to that next time. 

Ambar, welcome to MTM and thanks for your thoughts.  I personally don’t use free weights because I’m not sure about my technique yet and I don’t want to hurt anything (or drop the weights on my feet!).  At least on the machines, it’s a fairly intuitive procedure: adjust to fit height, position yourself like the picture, and lift.  With free weights, I need to be more careful and (ideally) have someone spotting. 

Thanks to you both for the advice!

Julie

I am not much taller than you and I do not find a problem with machines.  R U doing them correctly?

For all exercises there is a free weight equivelant.

lizzygo - 12 March 2006 06:07 PM

I am not much taller than you and I do not find a problem with machines.  R U doing them correctly?

For all exercises there is a free weight equivelant.

Hi Lizzygo,

Most of the machines are not a problem, and work quite well at the smallest setting.  However, the tricep machine has been giving me problems since day #1, and (as I said) I think I’m going to go back to using the cable / pulley method.  I’m hesitant to use free weights with no one spotting me and verifying my form.  I’m still a newbie at this, so the machines are a great help!

In fact, most of my gym workouts are an interim means of staying in shape until I get back to Montreal, when I will join a dojo.  To me, lifting weights is actually pretty repetitive, and I’d much rather spend a half-hour doing katas than lifting.  Believe me, if you have a few weights to hold while doing katas, you get a fantastic workout!  Of course,if lifting weights works for you, then definitely keep doing it.  Different things work for different people.  In the end, it’s all about moving, no matter how you’re doing it.

Thanks for your concern, and keep up the good work.  You’ve been on fire in the community today: thanks for keeping up the spirit of MTM!

TTFN,
Julie

Great conversation guys.

I prefer free weights to machines overall but most folks do begin on machines.  It’s just easier and less intimidating. 

You just need to keep an eye on the machine setup since it dictates your form.  Bad form can really cause problems over time.  And Julie - since I know you’re only 5’ tall, you are going to have a few more challenges with machines designed for more average height folks.  That’s why the cable and pully system works well for you.

For me?  Lately I’ve been working out more at home and am on a big dumbell kick just to shake things up.  I’ve got just about every size and love the way they make me feel.  Along with my treadmill, a run outside and a core ball - I’m having some fun.  I’m thinking I may also drop by a friends karate school and mix it up more.  Variety is good.