Weights - Free weights or machines?

ericgAU

I'm about to start a Lean Bulk phase and want to know whether bulking up with weight machines as opposed to free weights is ok? I'm not particularly comfortable with venturing down to the free weights area of the gym.

allegedglobalconspiracy

Any strength training is good, but isolation machines won't give you the same results as free weights because of the fact that they balance the weight for you, and don't require any of the supporting muscles to assist. I found that I would hit serious plateaus strength-wise. Most of the reading I've done left me with the impression that free weights and compound movements are much more effective than isolation machines. In my own experience, I get better definition, size, and strength from sticking to compound movements and free weights only. But comfort level is hugely important too. Hopefully my 2 cents is at least sort of helpful.

Ripken818836701

free weights, but nothing wrong with mixing in some weight machines here in there. Dont worry about venturing down to the free weights, we all had to do it, and I promise you any worry you have is not worth thinking about etc. ( though we all had the same worries at first aswell)

ericgAU

Any strength training is good, but isolation machines won't give you the same results as free weights because of the fact that they balance the weight for you, and don't require any of the supporting muscles to assist. I found that I would hit serious plateaus strength-wise. Most of the reading I've done left me with the impression that free weights and compound movements are much more effective than isolation machines. In my own experience, I get better definition, size, and strength from sticking to compound movements and free weights only. But comfort level is hugely important too. Hopefully my 2 cents is at least sort of helpful.

Definitely helpful thank you.

ablykins

I use both free weights and machines when I train and am very happy with the results. Just remember that muscles don't know weight- all they know is tension and resistance which is what makes free weights so effective for both building strength and stability. Machines can also be great- especially as you are building strength and form or are trying to really isolate.

ericgAU

I use both free weights and machines when I train and am very happy with the results. Just remember that muscles don't know weight- all they know is tension and resistance which is what makes free weights so effective for both building strength and stability. Machines can also be great- especially as you are building strength and form or are trying to really isolate.

Very valid point you make about muscles not knowing the difference between machines and free. While I do understand that free weights are probably better from the point of view of building muscle mass quicker, machines for me are far more efficient and easier to use. I really dont have time to be mucking around in the morning before work with weights and setting up benches etc. Thanks for your input.

raevynn

Take a good look at kettlebells.

The way they work, they actually pull in more muscles for stability, which means more toning and strength faster.

Okay, so I love my kettlebells *grin*

BigL0s

free weights, but nothing wrong with mixing in some weight machines here in there. Dont worry about venturing down to the free weights, we all had to do it, and I promise you any worry you have is not worth thinking about etc. ( though we all had the same worries at first aswell)

^^This. You could probably reach your goal using mainly machines, but free weights would be more ideal. Setting up a bench etc really doesn't take too long and could be done in your break between sets/exercises, but it's up to you. Good luck either way!

dancingincircles84

I really like free weights, but I do a fair amount of strength training with machines too. If your'e going to be doing squats you're better off using a squat rack than a Smith machine, just because of the improper alignment of your body when using the Smith machine.
Don't be intimidated going to the free weights side of the gym. It's really not that scary. (And this is coming from one of the only girls who lifts weights at her gym so she's surrounded by big men. Since you're a man it's even easier!)

Lukazetta

I'm about to start a Lean Bulk phase and want to know whether bulking up with weight machines as opposed to free weights is ok? I'm not particularly comfortable with venturing down to the free weights area of the gym.

Free weights are what builds the most muscle - because they will use the most muscle fibers as you try to stabilize your body.

Do free weights and go heavy! You will get stronger guaranteed and you could do the machines last if you need to.

The bad thing about machines is that they will only focus on one part of your muscle, which will only help you so much. You may also be more likely to be injured because you could develop muscle imbalances.

Focus on COMPOUND MOVEMENTS to build the most muscle (with free weights/barbells of course).

Good luck!

ericgAU

I'm about to start a Lean Bulk phase and want to know whether bulking up with weight machines as opposed to free weights is ok? I'm not particularly comfortable with venturing down to the free weights area of the gym.

Free weights are what builds the most muscle - because they will use the most muscle fibers as you try to stabilize your body.

Do free weights and go heavy! You will get stronger guaranteed and you could do the machines last if you need to.

The bad thing about machines is that they will only focus on one part of your muscle, which will only help you so much. You may also be more likely to be injured because you could develop muscle imbalances.

Focus on COMPOUND MOVEMENTS to build the most muscle (with free weights/barbells of course).

Good luck!

Thanks for this advice. I've decided to see a PT tomorrow and him show me how to lift properly using free weights.