Free Weights vs Machines

cmuggridge

I have been reading The New Rules of Lifting and the author really encourages free weights over the machines. I currently only have access to machines, no free weights. I really want to start with the weights but now I wonder if I will be able to get the results I am looking for.

Can anybody who has used machines instead of free weights let me know how their experience was and what kind of results they achieved?

FullOfWin

I have always used free weights for the most part and definitely advocate using them over machines. Here is a woman who has done both http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/744311-free-weights-vs-machines-holy-crap

Bakkasan

My favorite phrase on the matter is

(given enough effort)Machines will make you look good, free weights will make your body work properly AND look good.

You miss out on stabilizer muscles and when you really need to use it, injury is much more likely.

withchaco

8 months of leg press machines, started at 15 reps of 180lbs, did not see ANY improvement.

After 6 months of squats (and other free weight lifting), I went back to the same leg press machine for giggles. Bam! 12 reps of 230lbs. Mind you, this was AFTER I finished all my other lifts for the day. If I had done it fresh like I was doing during those 8 months, I probably could've gone higher.

cmuggridge

Thanks everybody. I am looking for a used set of free weights I can use in my apartment.