free weights Vs resistance machines

TheManFromHants
TheManFromHants Posts: 149 Member
edited November 15 in Fitness and Exercise
what does everyone prefer? I used free weights and barbells to gain muscle but went too far and ended up bulking up. In an effort to get back to my former size i'm using resistance machines , low weight higher reps etc but what are you doing to get to the size you want? I'm interested to know your views.

Oh and feel free to add if you're looking for motivation and support.

Replies

  • karen_fitzgibbon
    karen_fitzgibbon Posts: 736 Member
    I use the resistance machines at my current gym. I am finding though that I miss the weights, or maybe I just miss my previous gym. But i do like knowing how much I'm lifting and that my form is correct etc.
  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    Free weights as much as possible!!

    At 5you aou2" tall, sometimes the machines don't fit me properly.

    Scientifically, free weights are better. With normal resistance machines, there is a set plane of motion, and you basically only work one or two muscles. Cable machines are a little better since there is no set plane of motion. Not only do you have to do the intended motion, but other muscles are stabilizing you in that plane. Free weights trump both. For example, a bicep curl standing up...you are using most of your body. Your biceps contract, your triceps extend, your shoulder stabilizes your arm, your core stabilizes your body.

    OP, there is no need for machines. You can easily go to lighter DB...
  • alyhuggan
    alyhuggan Posts: 717 Member
    TheManFromHants wrote: »
    what does everyone prefer? I used free weights and barbells to gain muscle but went too far and ended up bulking up.

    By bulking up I'm guessing you either mean you gained a tonne of muscle without meaning to which I highly doubt unless you have exceptionally high testosterone levels or you ended up putting on too much fat which would have been from too much of a calorie surplus.

    I'm not sure what you are expecting using machines at lighter weight and higher reps to do to your body. Everything you do is going to make your body grow. Doesn't matter whether it is free weights or machines, 5 reps or 15 reps.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Congratulations on being genetically gifted! Shame you don’t like looking buff.

    Resistance is resistance. So, if you bulked up on free weights, the same is true for machines. If bulk is an issue, I’d either lower the weight and go to greater than 12 reps (endurance) or increase the weight and go to 1 - 5 reps (strength).
  • ccam99
    ccam99 Posts: 119 Member
    Free weights but on lazy days I will use the machines. :smile:
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    sarahrbraun wrote: »
    Scientifically, free weights are better. With normal resistance machines, there is a set plane of motion, and you basically only work one or two muscles. Cable machines are a little better since there is no set plane of motion. Not only do you have to do the intended motion, but other muscles are stabilizing you in that plane. Free weights trump both.

    I incorporate cable machines because i can do horizontal movements with them, which is very difficult with freeweights. For example, the cable press, a very functional movement, and very different than the bench press as far as coordination skills.

    If i wanted to bulk up, i'd include machines, since they put more work on the target muscles, and less on the stabilizers.
    There is no "better" or "worse" exercise, just a better exercise for a particular goal.

  • TheManFromHants
    TheManFromHants Posts: 149 Member
    thanks for your opinions , quite a wide range of them. to be honest this was just one of those topics that came about at a conversation in the gym and a fair few had opinions much the same as you all. Always nice to have a discussion/debate
  • haroldz123
    haroldz123 Posts: 20 Member
    I think free weight is more suitable for weight loss and cardio (interval).
    Resistance machines will make it easier to tackle heavier weight.

    Furthermore, any gym buffs will swear : more muscle, more fat burning power.

    I prefer free weight but will try resistance machine to see any gains.

    Try Spartans and Spartans 2.0 for free weight

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,994 Member
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    Congratulations on being genetically gifted! Shame you don’t like looking buff.

    Resistance is resistance. So, if you bulked up on free weights, the same is true for machines. If bulk is an issue, I’d either lower the weight and go to greater than 12 reps (endurance) or increase the weight and go to 1 - 5 reps (strength).
    +1. Bulking also includes a surplus of calories. Eating less also helps.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png

  • tomknapp1
    tomknapp1 Posts: 4 Member
    I prefer free weights. I do use machines for some shoulder work, due to injuries.

    Here's a good articles on pros/cons of free weights: http://angelaharperfitness.com/strength-training/free-weight-training/
  • jennifershoo
    jennifershoo Posts: 3,198 Member
    I'm always amazed that some people bulk easily and by accident.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    jennifershoo wrote: »
    I'm always amazed that some people bulk easily and by accident.

    I know, right? I've been trying for years to bulk up and I barely look like I lift. Then some dude just picks up a BB and instantly looks like ronnie coleman. Not fair.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Oly lifts are my primary lifts so obviously free weights. I always do Oly work using low reps. Most of my assistance work is also done with free weights...i.e. squats, OH press/push press, bench, etc and I cycle through various rep ranges. I use a couple of cable machines here and there for a couple of assistance exercises.

    IMO, machines are better utilized for assistance work than as a primary modality.

  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    I haven't touched a machine in 5+ years and I'm the strongest I've ever been right now.


    I wouldn't consider myself bulky though.
  • TheManFromHants
    TheManFromHants Posts: 149 Member
    tomknapp1 wrote: »
    I prefer free weights. I do use machines for some shoulder work, due to injuries.

    Here's a good articles on pros/cons of free weights: http://angelaharperfitness.com/strength-training/free-weight-training/

    cheers tom, really interesting read , thank you for the advice.
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