For the women out there...Free weights or machines?

LisaUlrey
LisaUlrey Posts: 136 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Just curious, what do the women out there that strength train like better? Free weights or machines? Which gets better results?
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Replies

  • hananah89
    hananah89 Posts: 692 Member
    free weights, hands down. machines don't let you do compound movements (which use more than that one muscle you are working)
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Free weights. No competition.

    When I was in college I used machines all the time. Within one month of starting a compound barbell lifting routine I had gotten better results than I ever got from months and months of machines.
  • lilawolf
    lilawolf Posts: 1,690 Member
    Free weights absolutely. I've tried machines and programs using them with little to show for it. Do StrongLifts, starting strength, or new rules of lifting for women. You will be shocked at what you can do. If you do SL, join this group for support, a writeup of the program, and answers to any questions you have:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women
  • LisaUlrey
    LisaUlrey Posts: 136 Member
    I have never used free weights or machines before ( I know that sounds crazy). Not sure where to start. Trainers are not an option for the time I am able to go to the gym (later in the evening). Any suggestions?
  • obsidianwings
    obsidianwings Posts: 1,237 Member
    Free weights definitely.
    Start with one of the things lilawolf suggested :)
  • kirstyfairhead
    kirstyfairhead Posts: 220 Member
    Free Weights. But then again, I've never used machines.

    I'm not at a stage where I want to target a specific muscle group so it's all about compound movements for me!!
  • LisaUlrey
    LisaUlrey Posts: 136 Member
    Free weights absolutely. I've tried machines and programs using them with little to show for it. Do StrongLifts, starting strength, or new rules of lifting for women. You will be shocked at what you can do. If you do SL, join this group for support, a writeup of the program, and answers to any questions you have:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/4601-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

    Just started reading New Rules of Lifting for women. I have never belonged to a gym before and I have never lifted. I am very intimidated and a little nervous. So far, I have spent my time doing cardio until I get though the book. I am weak and I hate it. Still have 23 pounds to lose so I am not sure how my diet fits into the strength training yet.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Get the book Starting Strength and watch a lot of YouTube videos.

    I started with the Stronglifts program, but Starting Strength has more instructions about form, and the programs are really similar.

    Start LIGHT, with just the bar, until you learn correct form.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Free weights all the way, because... http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/744311-free-weights-vs-machines-holy-crap
  • SairahRose
    SairahRose Posts: 412 Member
    I'm currently doing New Rules - free weights all the way.. and at home, too.
    I've learned so much about my body, and dropped so many inches than I did before using weight machines in the gym.
  • micheleb15
    micheleb15 Posts: 1,418 Member
    I can't remember the last time I went to the machine side of the gym, but I think it's a great start for beginners.
  • smmartloss10
    smmartloss10 Posts: 13
    I like machines..
  • originalcookiemonster
    originalcookiemonster Posts: 278
    I have never used free weights or machines before ( I know that sounds crazy). Not sure where to start. Trainers are not an option for the time I am able to go to the gym (later in the evening). Any suggestions?

    Read Stronglifts or NROL4W. Pick one. That will get you some good reading info, watch youtube videos on how to do the exercises. Then head to your gym and start! Bring a male buddy if you feel you need a spot.
  • originalcookiemonster
    originalcookiemonster Posts: 278
    Also, FREE WEIGHTS. Noooooooooooo competition. For realsies.
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    Get the book Starting Strength and watch a lot of YouTube videos.

    I started with the Stronglifts program, but Starting Strength has more instructions about form, and the programs are really similar.

    Start LIGHT, with just the bar, until you learn correct form.

    ^^^^ thisity this

    and free weights for me too
  • sovannac
    sovannac Posts: 445 Member
    Free weights for sure. In the beginning I would use the machines because they were a bit less intimidating but eventually found my way to free weights and found that they were much more effective.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I'm not a woman but I'll chime in anyway because it doesn't matter if you're a man or woman...free weights are going to give you the most bang for your workout buck.
  • Iron_Lotus
    Iron_Lotus Posts: 2,295 Member
    Free weights
  • 43932452
    43932452 Posts: 7,246 Member
    I only know the machine .. well it isn't motorized. lol I sit at a bench and stand.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Free weights.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary
  • Lady_Bane
    Lady_Bane Posts: 720 Member
    I use both
  • Just_Scott
    Just_Scott Posts: 1,766 Member
    We taking the Title IX thing a little too far? Seriously, women get weights for free....nope, never mind, totally misunderstood this thread....
  • lilawolf
    lilawolf Posts: 1,690 Member
    Just to warn you though: You will gain some water weight when you first start lifting. It is very important to take pics and measurements before you start so that you can use those for additional progress markers.

    Looking at your diary, you do a good job eating back your calories and getting enough protein, but you may need to bump your cals after a while. 1280 net isn't much depending on your height.
  • kiykiy79
    kiykiy79 Posts: 177
    Free weights all day... because I can't do strong lifts on machines....
  • Bernadette60614
    Bernadette60614 Posts: 707 Member
    Free weights as a goal, but if you've never weight trained, start with machines.

    Machines don't give you the same options in terms of hitting all the muscles, but for the novice it is way harder to injure yourself.
  • PetulantOne
    PetulantOne Posts: 2,131 Member
    free weights
  • alyssa92982
    alyssa92982 Posts: 1,093 Member
    I use free weights and would never turn back!
  • missprisslifts
    missprisslifts Posts: 2 Member
    Similar to most others here, free weights all the way. I used to spend hours using the machines, low weight, high reps. But a bit over a year ago I've become converted to free weights, with some machines only for isolation work (eg. hamstrings, triceps).

    Best advice when starting is to copy what other people are doing! I used to (surreptitiously) look at the bodies I admired and how they trained, then just copied them.

    Try not to be nervous or intimidated! Most people in the weights area, if they take it seriously, will be concentrating on their own form. But honestly, there is nothing more inspiring than seeing someone brand new to the gym giving things a crack! ;)
  • edwardgaweda
    edwardgaweda Posts: 40
    Free weights. Machines are to be used sparingly and to finish off muscles with some isolation work. Lift heavy, with good form and you'll love the results you get.

    Starting Strength, Stronglifts or New Rules of Lifting. Research and pick one.
  • bunbunzee44
    bunbunzee44 Posts: 592 Member
    I do both, but free weights are better.

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