Am I using the gym arm machines wrong or do they simply not work as well as dumbells?

[anon171999]

They seem to not get me sore easily, whereas simple handheld weights do.

[dynamicyandere]

Maybe. Arm-machine isn’t very descriptive. There are a lot of different machines that can work different parts of the body, even specific parts of the arm. There should be a label somewhere on the machine that tells you what muscles it’s supposed to work.


But, generally speaking, dumbbells and free weights will give you a better workout and a more balanced physique because of the multiple muscles (and support muscles) that free weights will strengthen.


The only catch is that you can injure yourself if you have incorrect form or technique. I recommend looking up workout tutorials and guides so that you can see and learn the correct form for every movement. 💪

[Effably]

In general they provide less range of movement and put considerably less pressure on you. Meaning lower results at same weights.

Simplifying it a bit I'd say that machines are nice if working on or learning form, if new to exercising or if pursuing an aesthetic rather than physical prowess. Which most people are, and so their popularity.

[pascal_climbs]

Ask a trainer to watch. Normally arm machines are build to do the movement in a proper, controlled, isolated way. If dumbbells work more easy, you may use more that the targeted muscle to exercise.

[Danny_dan92]

Do sets until failure. Regardless of the weight.




Also if you cannot do your sets with good form, drop the weight till you can