weight machines or free weights?

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  • redlion45
    redlion45 Posts: 155 Member
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    Don't be scared of the free weights. They work more muscles and are more effective. Get some instruction on good form and you'll never go back to the machines. :)
  • redlion45
    redlion45 Posts: 155 Member
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    The only one I can think of that can be dangerous without a spotter is the barbell bench press. At heavy weights (heavy for you) - you really need a spotter. If that concerns you, use dumbells or use a smith machine.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,862 Member
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    "Question

    Weight training: Free weights vs. machine weights
    For weight training, is it better to use free weights or machine weights?

    Answer
    from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

    "There has long been debate about which weight training method is better: free weights or machine weights. In fact, however, no single piece of weight training equipment is best for everyone. Both free weights and machine weights — as well as other types of resistance — can help you increase your strength. The choice really comes down to your personal preference and your access to equipment.

    Free weights are versatile and inexpensive. They also simulate real-life lifting situations and promote whole-body stabilization. Likewise, machine weights also can be effective weight training tools — as long as you use machines that adjust to your body dimensions and allow full range of motion of your joints.

    The bottom line? Choose a weight training system that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. And whatever type of resistance you choose, remember that proper technique is more important than the specific type of equipment."

    Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. is a Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.

    See: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-training/AN01023
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
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    The only one I can think of that can be dangerous without a spotter is the barbell bench press.

    If you use a power/squat rack it isn't.
  • carotnatalie
    carotnatalie Posts: 5 Member
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    Generally I prefer machines to free weights.

    (OH MY GAWD! HE'S AN IDIOT!)

    Hear me out, please.

    With a series of weight machines you can move from one machine with one purpose to another. You have a direction and a focus that's simple. It doesn't require much thought to execute a bench press on a bench press machine.

    Theoretical free-weight conversation that goes on in my head:
    Trainer: With free weights you can do anything.
    Newbie: Anything?
    Trainer: Anything.
    Newbie: What should I do?
    Trainer: Whatever you want.
    Newbie: I don't know what I want. I just want to get fit!
    Trainer: Then you should come back when you know what you want.
    Newbie: Okay. Goodbye then. I'll come back about...never.

    I know there are people who can help, but the process tends to be more intricate and mentally involved than simply bouncing through a few machines. There is a personal science involved. It has always intimidated me.

    There's also the muscleheads that see how scrawny you are and choose to tell you how poorly you're doing certain exercises, even when you're doing them correctly. So I tend to just stay away from free weights even though I know they're "better".
    haha that's how i feel. i'll be buying a book or two now, though

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