For the women out there...Free weights or machines?

GiGiBeans

I like a combination. Free weights for overall strength and machines for isolation work. I also like using resistance bands and TRX straps.

brower47

Free weights. It requires far more auxiliary stabilizing muscles to lift a free weight than the same exercise with a machine. You'll get a better, more comprehensive workout with free weights than you ever will with machines. There are times and places for machines but overall, free weights are superior in terms of fitness.

Ready2Rock206

Totally Free Weights!!

peggymdellinger

Free weights... though I do use the pull up assist machine. I need it until I can do pull ups and chin ups on my own.

KarenJanine

Free weights.

curvygirl77

Free weights and check out this website called fitness blender, it's free and the two trainers have awesome workouts with lots of details

rebeccachipper

If you're a beginner, machines. Then move on to free weights.

peggymdellinger

I have never used free weights or machines before ( I know that sounds crazy). Not sure where to start. Trainers are not an option for the time I am able to go to the gym (later in the evening). Any suggestions?

Bench press, squats, military press, bent rows, deadlifts, then bodyweight stuff like pull up, chin up, crunches, bench dips... there's so much, many more that I haven't listed... google them, there are youtube videos re: form, etc... go slow, practice, get the form down.

cad39too

Agreed with the other posts...free weights definitely.

trud72

Gotta be the same old answer free weights are way better! and you can also buy some for home too that don't take up a whole room! :bigsmile:

adorable_aly

It depends on your physical capabilities. If you are weak and have never done anything before it might be better to start on machines.

I've been using mosly machines for 6 weeks, because I was so weak and worried about injuring myself. For the last couple of weeks I've started to incorporate deadlifts and barbell squats to get some practice in. The machines have given me some results, and definitely made me stronger and more confident. But it's time to move on now, so I'm starting new rules. I think your results can plateau on machines pretty quickly.

BinaryPulsar

I also prefer free weights.

You can learn from books, online resources, videos on youtube, and possibly making some buddies at the gym. You can also take bodypump classes which may help you learn some of the basic moves. Those classes are high reps/low weights and are inefficient and not a replacement for a good strength training program, but they can help you gain familiarity with weights. I still use a machine or two, occasionally. But, free weights are the best, get the best results, and work all on their own and are easier, more efficient and effective. A machine is just an extra thing and they don't work all on their own for achieving the best results. They really only work up to a point, and most of them are large and awkward. There isn't anything you can't do with free weights. They effectively strength train all the muscles.

And as others said, free weights are easier to use at home.

kimosabe1

free weights...u will feel it more-

Fozzi43

Free weights every time.

therainandthunder

Free weights... I haven't tried machines.

thebigcb

Personally I think that free weights are better

Less injuries as you movement isn't restricted, get better balance to developement, and its cheaper

beyondmywildestdreams

Free Weights!

Katerina67

Free weights!