Are weight Machines Enough?

luvmydawgs

Currently I have yet to venture into the free weight section. We have a "stretch" area where we have pads, free weights up to 12 pounds and balls, kettle bells, stair steper etc. I tend to use that section for all my ab work and any free weight stuff I do.

Then I make my way to the machines, if it is leg day I use all the leg machine, and if it's arms/chest I use those machines. I have always incorporate a little cardio in as well and now adding HIIT too.

So my question is:

First am I splitting up my muscle groups well enough? Second are the machines, ab work out, and lighter free weights enough to get my toner than my profile picture and get my stomach in better shape?

luvmydawgs

Please??

BlueBombers

I have had greater results doing heavy compound lifts (free weights) than doing isolation exercises or using weight machines.

Edit: heavy free weights (as in heavy for you) are the way to go.

Tla0126

Using the weight machines typically target only the muscle that machine is designed to work. When you use free weights, you use more complex movements and it works a larger group of muscles (including your core). That being said, if you don't know how to use the free weights properly, you run the risk of injuring yourself because of improper form. Having a personal trainer for a session or two could help you gain the confidence and knowledge to try the free weights. I love free weights, but at the moment I have an injury and I need the stability of the weight machines. Good luck!

BigT555

i use barbells and dumbbells as the base of my workout, and use machines to hit muscles that i cant get with free weights(hardly ever happens) or if i want to specifically work one muscle, like in tricep extensions. as mentioned above they tend to isolate one or 2 muscle groups, while free weights are much better for working stabilizing muscles

brianpperkins

It is possible to get a good workout using machines. The issue lies in that they limit motion to a specified path, do not require balance or control of the weight throughout the range of motion, and do not recruit the amount of muscle that free weights do. Compare a chest/bench press machine to a barbell press on a flat bench. One you push the weight along an arc that you cannot deviate off of ... the other requires you to balance the weight, move both arms in unison both up and down, and control the weight in position between your head and waist (otherwise you drop it) which requires the firing of smaller muscle groups to maintain control and formation the inclusion of more neurological pathways.