Free Weights or Machines?

jfauci

I've been doing a lot of cardio and decided to incorporate weight training to tone things up a bit. I've been using the machines at the gym, but watching others do all sorts of routines with free weights. Is there a difference between the machines and free weights? Will one give me a better work out than the other? Thanks.

Leadfoot_Lewis

Read this:

http://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/2014/02/05/squats-presses-and-deadlifts-why-gyms-dont-teach-the-only-exercises-you-need/

vanguardfitness

Yes. You generally get better core workouts when your incorporate free weights.

Machines can be really restrictive. They may be too big for you, or too small. Handles may be too wide or too narrow or your range of motion might be restricted. All bad things to deal with when lifting weights.

Machines are generally good for helping with muscle imbalances - if one limb is a lot weaker than the other you don't have to worry about stabilizing yourself as you workout the weaker limb (compared to free weights)

The quality of the machine is really important too. A lot of brands and styles flat out suck.
ex.) prone leg curls where the pad on the back of your legs moves dynamically is great. Seated leg curls hurt the back of my knee. Some Hammer Strength plate loaded machines really irritate my shoulders, so I use free weights. But bent over barbell rows irritate my back, so I would use the Nautilus seated row (the best row machine IMO).

You can equally hurt yourself pretty badly doing either machines or free weights.

Beeps2011

jfauci - move to the free weights and DO THOSE!

BOOM!