Resistance newbie to weights

drosebud

I'm off for a gym induction today and would really like to do some free weights, not machines, with a view to lifting heavier, having read some articles about it. Is it ok to just start on free weights, as a newbie, or should I start on machines first, just to get used to it?
I think I know the answer (i.e. just do it!), but thought I'd canvas opinion first, to support my decision with the trainer.

CipherZero

Aside from cabled machines, you want barbell training. Machines tend to work isolations as well as forcing you into a single plane of motion, neither of which will build stabilizers with the effectiveness of compound barbell movements.
Given you're a beginner, I highly recommend either Starting Strength or Stronglifts.

Cherimoose

See my comment here from a few days ago:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/21768646/#Comment_21768646

I count as "freeweights" anything that doesn't have a fixed path of movement.. including cable machines, dumbbells, sandbags, car tires, etc. I disagree that you must include barbells.. unless you want to compete in powerlifting.

dbmata

Freeweights, for sure.

Add713

machines and free weights.......some of the machines are awesome.....some are not. For example I have 24 hr. access to my gym. If its 2 in the morning and I am benching by myself the smith machine is great. Way safer.

drosebud

Thanks everybody for the replies and links. I was keeping an open mind, and the PT was very good. He introduced me to kettlebells and some of the basic machines, and suggested a re-assessment in a few weeks. I'll see how it goes.

Thanks again.

dbmata

kettlebells, nice. Those look fun.