Free Weights vs. Machines

robinskv
robinskv Posts: 107 Member
edited December 18 in Fitness and Exercise
What do all of you seasoned lifters feel about this? I think the FW are better, but at my gym, it can be a very crowded testosterone-filled place. Do you feel you get the same benefits from the machines? TIA!

Replies

  • Gilbrod
    Gilbrod Posts: 1,216 Member
    Me, personally, I perfer the free weights or benches. Some machines do more harm than good is what one of my personal trainer buds tell me.
  • Toddrific
    Toddrific Posts: 1,114 Member
    I see some of the big boys using the machines, namely for triceps, biceps, and leg presses.
    The tricep/bicep makes sense because they are isolation exercises already.

    At my gym, the squat rack is almost always open, so that's my go to place, and it's really versatile.
  • hiker282
    hiker282 Posts: 983 Member
    You run the machines in order to isolate specific muscles, most of the time. Free weights allow for a more natural range of motion and incorporate more muscle groups. Thus it becomes even more important to focus on form, therefore is more complicated, therefore is generally more avoided. Don't let complication get in the way of a more all round workout from lifting free weights.
  • pobski
    pobski Posts: 42 Member
    I see some of the big boys using the machines, namely for triceps, biceps, and leg presses.
    The tricep/bicep makes sense because they are isolation exercises already.

    At my gym, the squat rack is almost always open, so that's my go to place, and it's really versatile.

    Works great for curling in!
  • Gilbrod
    Gilbrod Posts: 1,216 Member
    I see some of the big boys using the machines, namely for triceps, biceps, and leg presses.
    The tricep/bicep makes sense because they are isolation exercises already.

    At my gym, the squat rack is almost always open, so that's my go to place, and it's really versatile.

    Agreed
  • bellalavita11
    bellalavita11 Posts: 4
    I've been lifting for 25 years and I like a combination of the two. Both seem to hit the muscles differently. For weight lost and muscle maintenance I like lifting heavy 2x a week and other two days with lighter weights, higher reps, and more plyos.
  • robinskv
    robinskv Posts: 107 Member
    Squat rack....that's the thing that makes me stick my butt out, right? Hmmmm....I will have to think about that one. Not sure I am ready for that. Not sure that anyone else is ready for that either!
  • jolarocknrolla
    jolarocknrolla Posts: 236 Member
    At my gym, the squat rack is almost always open, so that's my go to place, and it's really versatile.

    Every time i see a Bro doing curls in the squat rack i die a little bit inside. So sad.

    Personally, i like free-weights and i like having my own set (cheap on Craigslist!) and not have to compete w/ anyone for space or equipment.
  • HeidiMightyRawr
    HeidiMightyRawr Posts: 3,343 Member
    Free weights!! Machines have their uses, but I would never say they are better.

    It's a crowded testosterone-filled place at my gym too (the whole gym, machines and free weights) I love it though, you get used to it :smile:
  • gamehen2
    gamehen2 Posts: 45 Member
    I like the free weights because it requires a lot more stabilization work from your core to maintain proper form. It results in a better overall burn in addition to working the muscle group you are targeting. But the machines have their place too. I think a good routine incorporates both.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,749 Member
    I like to switch it up and do both. Mostly I use the machines when switching up my leg exercises. I'll use the leg curl, leg extension, ab/adductor, donkey kick, leg press. I use the sled for my calves since my legs are too short for the calf machine.

    We don't have a squat rack but we have the smith machine which I use for my squats, chest and shoulder exercises. The cable machine is good for the tri's and bi workouts.
  • bizco
    bizco Posts: 1,949 Member
    IMO, free weights are far superior to machines. Forget about the guys in the weight room, get in there, pick up the barbell and dumbbells and start lifting!

    I was a little intimidated at first but now the guys at my gym admire and respect me a great deal. They always comment on how hard I work, how strong I am, and how dedicated I am. Once they know you're serious about getting lean & strong, they will feel the same way about you.
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Depends on the context, both have their place.
  • seebeachrun
    seebeachrun Posts: 221 Member
    I prefer free weights and my old PT swore by them. You have to work harder to stabilize and make your movements fluid. Plus, I noticed with some machines that because I am so short it's easy to hurt my back because the supports are in the wrong place and cannot be adjusted far enough for me.
  • Toddrific
    Toddrific Posts: 1,114 Member
    Squat rack....that's the thing that makes me stick my butt out, right? Hmmmm....I will have to think about that one. Not sure I am ready for that. Not sure that anyone else is ready for that either!

    br608_1.png

    This thing.

    Can do shoulder press, squats, deadlifts (near it), bicep curls (why wouldn't you?) and various other exercises. It's basically a barbell that is laying around unused in many gyms
  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    Free weights are pretty much always better. With free weights you work the main muscle group as well as the small, stabilizing muscles around every joint in use. Machines are self stabilized so you lose that very important benefit. Also machines have a set range and path of motion which may or may not fit with your body. With free weights, more specifically dumbbells, you work all the stabilizing muscles and work in your body's natural range and path of motion.

    The only exception being the cable machines where it's basically a hand grip attached to a cable. Used properly those do a decent job of replicating the use of dumbbells. The only true machines I use are for leg press (when I do those instead of squats) and lat pull downs (because I'm not able to do pull ups yet).

    If you're not sure of how to use certain equipment or do a certain exercise, either talk to a trainer at the gym or simply talk to one of the guys in there lifting. From my experience most of the guys will be happy to give someone a spot or help someone with form if asked, but are generally there doing their workout and minding their own business. In my gym I also see 3-4 women in lifting with the dozen or so guys, so you might find some women to talk to if you're more comfortable with that.
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    Free weights for compound lifts.

    Machines for isolated exercises.

    I practically live in the squat machine, or nearby. :bigsmile:
  • ahealthy4u
    ahealthy4u Posts: 442 Member
    Me, personally, I perfer the free weights or benches. Some machines do more harm than good is what one of my personal trainer buds tell me.

    Agreed I like both myself but I have the control when using the free weights and with the machines they are a hassle sometimes and can do more harm then good. But I will use both.
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    I use both depending on what I'm doing. For Drop Sets, and Giant Sets it's more efficient to use machines. For some FST-7 training it's better to use machines and/or cables.

    I do use alot of heavy compound lifts with free weights also.
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    I like the free weights because it requires a lot more stabilization work from your core to maintain proper form. It results in a better overall burn in addition to working the muscle group you are targeting. But the machines have their place too. I think a good routine incorporates both.

    Ditto!!!! I like the leg press and leg curl, also the row machine and the cables (for side crunches the cables are awesome). I would say I do 75% free weights and 25% machines for my everyday lifting routines, whether it is leg day, shoulders and arms day, or back and abs day.
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    Squat rack....that's the thing that makes me stick my butt out, right? Hmmmm....I will have to think about that one. Not sure I am ready for that. Not sure that anyone else is ready for that either!

    br608_1.png

    This thing.

    Can do shoulder press, squats, deadlifts (near it), bicep curls (why wouldn't you?) and various other exercises. It's basically a barbell that is laying around unused in many gyms

    But don't do curls on it if people are actually waiting around to squat...
  • js370
    js370 Posts: 140
    With free weights you work the main muscle group as well as the small, stabilizing muscles around every joint in use. Machines are self stabilized so you lose that very important benefit. Also machines have a set range and path of motion which may or may not fit with your body. With free weights, more specifically dumbbells, you work all the stabilizing muscles and work in your body's natural range and path of motion.

    The only exception being the cable machines where it's basically a hand grip attached to a cable. Used properly those do a decent job of replicating the use of dumbbells.

    ^this. I personally prefer compound exercises with the barbell, but dumbells are a good start.
  • aproc
    aproc Posts: 1,033 Member
    I avoid the machines whenever possible just because I prefer the free weights. The only machines I ever use are for leg extentions, curls, and press. Occasionally the glute kickback. Everything else I just tough out the crowd in the free weight section. I've started going early in the mornings so there usually aren't a bunch of people to work around.
  • Toddrific
    Toddrific Posts: 1,114 Member

    But don't do curls on it if people are actually waiting around to squat...

    True, luckily in my gym the squat racks and the incline/decline bench presses are never in demand =)
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    Especially don't do curls with the 10 lb dumbbells :)
  • robinskv
    robinskv Posts: 107 Member
    Thank you everyone! This has been very helpful!
  • LoveActually
    LoveActually Posts: 177 Member
    I prefer free weights as well. And if there's space for me in the "man zone", I'm going in. Today I was curling more than one dude beside me and he noticed (as did I). Ha!
  • BigL0s
    BigL0s Posts: 133
    A combination of both, but mainly free weights.
This discussion has been closed.

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