logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
14m 45s

7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Li...

Mark Carroll
About this episode

My 7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Lifting podcast mini-series, continues with a look at machine exercises vs. free weights for building muscle.



If you haven't listened to the first episode in the series, please go and do so now as it feeds into this episode.



Can machines cause just as much muscle growth as barbell and dumbbell work?



I explain when you should perform machine-based exercises and when you should train with free weights.



In this episode you will learn:



  • Pros and cons of machines vs. free weights
  • Benefits of machine-based exercises
  • When you should use free weights instead of machines
  • 3 factors that are important in hypertrophy
  • How to use machines to help you reach failure




Connect with Mark Carroll:

Instagram: @coachmarkcarroll

TikTok: @coachmarkcarroll_

Facebook: @markcarrollpt 



If you're enjoying my podcasts, you can experience my methods yourself when you sign up for one of my educational guides & training programs on my app at https://coachmarkcarroll.com/



If you’re a coach or aspiring personal trainer then my fitness education business @carroll_performance has the courses you need to be successful in the industry at https://carrollperformance.com/



As always, if you're feeling generous, please rate the podcast 5 stars to let us know you're enjoying it!



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Jun 20
Fitness Content Creation for Growth with Jack Hallows
Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark is joined by returning guest and friend, Jack Hallows a personal trainer turned social media powerhouse. Together, they dive into the realities of online coaching, the evolution of fitness content, and wha ... Show More
59m 15s
Jun 12
Mental Illness - Impact on a relationship with Lauren Simpson
Episode DescriptionIn this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark sits down with his partner Lauren Simpson to dive deep into a topic many shy away from mental health within a relationship. Known for his honesty online, Mark opens up even more abou ... Show More
1 h
Jun 9
How to warm up for optimal performance in the gym with Glen Carroll
Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Coach Mark Carroll Podcast, Mark sits down with his brother and experienced coach Glenn Carroll to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of training: the warm-up. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned lifter, this episode will tran ... Show More
52m 59s
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
#223 - Squat, Bench, Deadlift should they be in my program with Craig McDonald
What exercises should you include in your program? And should squat, bench, and deadlift be some of them?In our latest podcast episode, Craig and I discuss when we recommend these movements and when they might not be appropriate. Often, it depends on your goals. Give our most rec ... Show More
22m 45s
Apr 2024
TMHS 782 - Microdosing Exercise, Staying Motivated, & The Best Way to Build Muscle - With Mark Bell
More and more science is affirming the importance of having healthy muscle on our frames. Not only does muscle make your body appear healthy, but it’s also a key component of aging healthfully. If you want to ensure optimal health as you age, there’s no better insurance plan than ... Show More
1h 26m
Apr 2023
Ep. #1055: Q&A: Skinny Fat Solution, Adduction Machines, Rep Ranges For Calves, Workouts After Baby, & More
Can you be both underweight and skinny fat? How do you fix it? If you’ve just had a baby, can you still workout? Should you make up missed workouts on rest days? Is it ok for your back to bend during deadlifts? Are Nordic curls worth doing? All of that and more in this Q&A podcas ... Show More
24m 50s
Jan 2021
Ep. #694: The Best of Muscle For Life: Bodybuilding Show Prep, Cardio or Weights First, and No Excuses
I’ve recorded hundreds of episodes of Muscle for Life on a huge variety of things related to health, fitness, and lifestyle, ranging from the basics of diet and exercise like energy and macronutrient balance and progressive overload and training frequency and volume to fads like ... Show More
30m 28s
Sep 2022
#146| What's Better For Strength Training: Machines or Free Weights?
In this episode, Dillon sits down with Ryan Nosak to discuss which is better for strength training, machines (nautilus equipment) or free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, etc.) We look to answer: where did this debate originate? Is one method better than the other for s ... Show More
33m 57s
Mar 2024
2295: How to Build an Effective Machine Only Full Body Workout
There is a time and place for machines. (2:00) The value of working out with machines only. (3:47) There is an order of operations. (10:22) A Machine-Only Workout Utilizing the Machines We Deem to be Most Effective. #1 - Hack squat (greater range than leg press). (11:33) #2 - Sea ... Show More
34m 36s
Jan 2022
#423 - Life Hacks 207 - The Gym Edition
Jonny & Yusef from Propane Fitness join me for another Life Hacks episode.It's the new year and everyone is back in the gym so I figured that we'd go through some of our favourite exercise variations and training hacks to add a bit of spice into whatever your new program is.Expec ... Show More
1h 6m
Jan 2019
423 - Which Is Best: Machines, Free Weights, or Body Weight?
If you are hitting the gym for the first time or are tempted to venture off the cardio equipment, it can be hard to know which piece of strength equipment to choose. Dumbbell, barbell, machine, or mat? Get-Fit Guy Brock Armstrong helps you make an informed decision that's right f ... Show More
12m 25s