Strength Training or Weight Training?

ohgeeque

Is there a difference between strength training and weight training? Or are the terms used interchangeably?

My gym has dumbbells and machines. I got the tour and know how to use the machines but remain suspicious of dumbbells. My goal is to build a little muscle for better support and general fitness while continuing to lose a few more pounds.

How often do I need to do this to see a moderate improvement?

AsISmile

I use the terms interchangeable, however you can do strength training with only your body weight, so technically you are still lifting weight.

So machines are okay. The argument I most often hear against machines is that you are forced to do movements in a specific path. This path might not be completely correct for your body. Furthermore, when using machines you are not training "extra" muscle you need for stability. That is why free weights are preferred.

If you really want to make adding muscle a goal you should lift a minimum of twice a week. You should probably follow a structured program that includes progressive overload.
However, it is completely your choice.

A lot of people here will suggest you will start weight training using a barbell.
Just keep in mind that if you decide to use machines, make it a little bit more difficult every time. Otherwise you won't see any progress.

DoogCampbell

AsISmile wrote: »

I use the terms interchangeable, however you can do strength training with only your body weight, so technically you are still lifting weight.

So machines are okay. The argument I most often hear against machines is that you are forced to do movements in a specific path. This path might not be completely correct for your body. Furthermore, when using machines you are not training "extra" muscle you need for stability. That is why free weights are preferred.

If you really want to make adding muscle a goal you should lift a minimum of twice a week. You should probably follow a structured program that includes progressive overload.
However, it is completely your choice.

A lot of people here will suggest you will start weight training using a barbell.
Just keep in mind that if you decide to use machines, make it a little bit more difficult every time. Otherwise you won't see any progress.

This 100%!!!

Barbell or dumbell you use a lot of minor muscles groups for stability in any free weights movement. All that is taken care of for you in an isolation machine as it provides seats and straps to ensure you work maximally on the target area. Additionally free weight movements typically mimic real life application so you body naturally uses your exercise movements as a means to achieve somethings, whether this is lifting something heavy or something safely, throwing your kids around etc.

Machines have the place and not all are 100% isolation but i would try and use them more as an accessory to compound lifts (ones that use lots of muscles groups) rather than the heart of your workout.

ohgeeque

Thank you, @AsISmile and @DoogCampbell

I'll look for a program for beginners. The machines really do provide a sense of security and safety to the uninitiated. However, I want to use my muscles in real life, so I'll try free weights and continue where I feel comfortable and confident I can do so without injury.

jmac4263

I have seen alot of people suggest the 5x5 Strong Lift program, might be worth looking into for you

No_Finish_Line

I wouldn't necessarily say the are 100% synonymous.

strength training would be specifically focusing on getting stronger while weight training is a more generic term... for instance one can workout with weights and be weight training but doing higher reps and focusing more on calorie burn without any real concern for getting stronger.

its splitting hairs to a certain degree but that's my 2 cents