Are weight machines as effective as free weights?

Xkmaf2018X
Xkmaf2018X Posts: 97 Member
edited November 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all

I want to start incorporating some weight training at the gym but don't have the confidence yet to hit the free weights room.

So I figured my next best option would be to use the weight machines but I often hear mixed reviews about them.

If I was to find myself (or please do advice if you know of any) a weight routine but using machines only, would this be as effective as using the free weights?

I don't have a particular goal except lose fat which I'm doing by being in a calorie deficit.

Thanks,

Replies

  • ladyshellbelle
    ladyshellbelle Posts: 98 Member
    Hi, Im not a professional, however, as part of my personal training sessions my instructor makes me use the machines, plus free weights.. so in my eyes, the machines must be okay.

    Good luck.

    M :)
  • Xkmaf2018X
    Xkmaf2018X Posts: 97 Member
    @ladyshellbelle - Thanks for your response. I too had a PT this time last year and we used to use a couple of the machines too which I did enjoy!

    Think I'll have a look online and see if theres any weight routines I could start with.

  • Rose18l
    Rose18l Posts: 147 Member
    Something is better than nothing. But machines are less effective than free weights.
  • jamesakrobinson
    jamesakrobinson Posts: 2,149 Member
    AS effective? ... probably not. A good starting point to build a bit of strength before moving to free weights... certainly.

    The really big advantage to free weights is the fact that you use many more muscles (and your nervous system) for stabilization, balance, and additional recruitment of complementary muscle groups.

    It wouldn't hurt to have a little more strength before moving to free weights but the something to watch out for is the possibility of learning bad habits. Free weights are not so forgiving of bad form.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    With free weights you are engaging collateral muscles with each lift while you balance and brace yourself against the weight. With a machine, a lot of the balance and bracing is incorporated in the machine itself. Say, with the bench press, you must, with frees weights, keep the bar from moving side to side. With a machine, this is not in play.
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