What's the diff?

charleydanger
charleydanger Posts: 16
in Fitness and Exercise
Is there any significant difference between using free weights and strength training machines. One of the trainers at my gym called the machine room " the circuit room of death". But I've definitely seen her in there more than lifting free weights. Which would be better in assisting with weight loss/ firming?

Replies

  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Free weights target not only the primary muscles in the muscle group, but also secondary stabilizing muscles. Free weights do not allow as much weight to be used as machines because the lifting motion is not as stable, but they do help you develop fuller, more balanced muscles than the machines. The machines do have their place though. You should incorporate machines into your routine to hit the primary muscles harder with more weight once you have done the free weight version of that exercise.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Is there any significant difference between using free weights and strength training machines. One of the trainers at my gym called the machine room " the circuit room of death". But I've definitely seen her in there more than lifting free weights. Which would be better in assisting with weight loss/ firming?

    Well, weight lifting doesn't assist in weight loss. As for firming? I don't really know what that is.

    Free weights are superior to machines because you have to recruit more muscles per movement. Basically, it's more bang for your energy buck. Machines can also get you into odd movement patterns that can have a negative affect on your joint health. On the other hand, doing free weights wrong can result in injury.

    You can do it, or do it efficiently, it becomes personal choice and comfort level at that point.

    I agree with her though. Circuit room of death.
  • charleydanger
    charleydanger Posts: 16
    When I say firming, I mean getting that toned, firm, sleek look.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    When I say firming, I mean getting that toned, firm, sleek look.

    I like your username. Send me some sexy texts.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Is there any significant difference between using free weights and strength training machines. One of the trainers at my gym called the machine room " the circuit room of death". But I've definitely seen her in there more than lifting free weights. Which would be better in assisting with weight loss/ firming?

    Well, weight lifting doesn't assist in weight loss. As for firming? I don't really know what that is.

    Free weights are superior to machines because you have to recruit more muscles per movement. Basically, it's more bang for your energy buck. Machines can also get you into odd movement patterns that can have a negative affect on your joint health. On the other hand, doing free weights wrong can result in injury.

    You can do it, or do it efficiently, it becomes personal choice and comfort level at that point.

    I agree with her though. Circuit room of death.

    Pretty much everything dbmata said.
  • charleydanger
    charleydanger Posts: 16
    Lol! Thanks doll-face. Wanna add me as a friend so I can see how to get a rocking body like yours??
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    When I say firming, I mean getting that toned, firm, sleek look.
    there is no such thing really, or at least no such thing that different exercise will cause different muscle looks for. muscle can do 3 things, grow, shrink, stay the same. your bodyfat can do 3 things. grow, shrink, stay the same.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Lol! Thanks doll-face. Wanna add me as a friend so I can see how to get a rocking body like yours??

    Just as long as you have no plans to run for mayor of my fair city.
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    Well, weight lifting doesn't assist in weight loss.
    Apart from burning calories?
    Quite a few calories burnt from doing weights during next day and a half or so, especially I suspect from doing compound moves that stress a lot of muscles.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Well, weight lifting doesn't assist in weight loss.
    Apart from burning calories?
    Quite a few calories burnt from doing weights during next day and a half or so, especially I suspect from doing compound moves that stress a lot of muscles.

    If you took two groups that differed *only* in whether they lift, I am sure you would find that the group that lifts would lose weight overtime compared to the group that doesn't lift but eats the same amount of food and doesn't move any more than the lifting group.

    In practice, that isn't all that happens. Many people start unconsciously eating a bit more, fudging their calorie tracking, and there is also quite a bit of water weight gain from glycogen storage. This happens with your standard aerobic training, too, of course. So in reality, I think it's right to say that you cannot count on weight training alone for weight loss.

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