Hello,

I'd like to lose 20-25 lbs. I'm pretty active. I walk a lot on my job, like to run, and do free weights.

We recently purchased a Body Solid Gym for our son. This is my first time using something like this as I've never been to a gym.

I was @ work when the delivery guys set up the gym. I've watched the dvd that came with it and still have some questions. I know my husband can help me with one of the settings of the machine just by looking at it.

I don't seem to be able to get too comfortable doing standing leg curls. I've tried adjust the level of the seat. It says your knee is supposed to be right under the roller.

I have no problem with leg presses. But have trouble with leg abduction excercise, even with the lowest amount of weight. Maybe it's simply that my legs are too weak.

I also find it easier to do preacher curls and bicep curls with free weights. Does anyone own this gym equipment or something similiar to it? And do you also find it easier to do curls w/free weights?

I've read it can take months to see results but I feel differently after 2 workouts. I'm also cutting out a lot of junk from my diet.

Laurie

I'm not familiar with that particular machine.

However, you pretty much don't need to worry about the hip abduction/adduction exercises anyway. While they do provide some isolation work to a small group of leg muscles, they do very little to "tone" your legs. The larger compound leg movements are much better for that.

In general, I can tell you two things. Most people who lift are going to prefer free weights to machines - freeweights are considered superior. Also, most here will tell you not to mess with individual isolation exercises too much (like bicep curls). Instead, go with the multi joint, compound movements (like pulldowns that not only work the biceps, but the back as well).

I'd agree with deschain - the exercises you mention (like the leg press) could probably be done more efficiently with compound exercises like squats. Free weights will give a much better workout because not only do you work the intended muscle, but those around it too because you need to balance the weights. If you're looking for a good routine, take a look at The New Rules of Lifting, by Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove - I'm close to completing the Break-In routine and am liking the results so far.