Free Weights Vs. Machines |
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Dog-gone it, free weights work!
Whether you are brand-new to strength training or you are trying to find a better solution, one of the most common questions is whether or not free weights are better than machines. While this can largely depend on your own personal preference as well as the results do you wish to achieve, there are many benefits to using free weights as opposed to relying on a machine.
One of the main reasons the free weights can be so much more effective is due to the fact that you simply have to work harder. Although machines can give you a very good strength training workout, when you are using free weights there is more actual effort involved in the whole process. This is due to many different factors. First and foremost, free weights force you not only to lift up but you also have more resistance on the bottom arc as well.
In addition to making you work harder, free weights will also require a full range of motion. It is actually possible to cheat when you are using a machine but this is much more difficult when you are using free weights. As an example let’s use a bench press. When you are using free weights you have to go through the entire process of lifting the weight up, bringing it down and back up again while with a machine you simply pull down and let it go back up.
That is not to say that weightlifting machines are not useful and have their purpose. In fact many people prefer to use a combination of the two to get even better results. For examples you can use your free weights for most of your strength training exercises, but then switch to a machine to better work your chest and back. Once again it does boil down to personal preference but there are many benefits that can be reaped by changing up your workout.
For those that are just starting out in their strength training plan, machines may actually be safer and easier to use until a higher level of strength is achieved. This is particularly important if the person does not have someone available to spot. While you always should have someone there, it is not always possible, and there are usually less risks when dealing with weight machines as opposed to free weights.
For those that are looking to start a strength training regimen at home, free weights are usually the more economical choice. You’ll have a few more options when it comes to spending your money and generally you can save a significant amount of money when you don’t have to purchase a weight machine. Conversely, women may prefer to use weight machines instead of free weights since they can be adjusted a little more easily.
Regardless of whether you like free weights or you prefer machines the key is getting out there and getting started on your strength training regimen. Experiment with both and see which one will fit your particular needs the best.
Image Credit: Popoever
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This post deals with:bench press, free weights, strength training exercises, workout
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PropellerNext: Chewing the Fat
October 6th, 2008 at 11:05 am
The more efficient your training tool is, the less efficient you have to be. And the more efficient you have to be, the more “functionality” you will develop and will be able to apply to life and sport. So, there is a functional continuum that moves from machines to conventional free weights to things like kettlebells, Clubbells, gymnastics rings, etc.
I think the best use for strength training machines is when you need to specifically target a muscle for prehab or rehab purposes, so that you can later integrate that muscle into more functional movements. This is a paradigm shift though, since most of the fitness industry is still focused on the “physique” mentality of developing muscles instead of focusing on movement. By focusing on movement first, and allowing the muscle to develop as it will, I find you end up with a much more natural looking development, and at the same time the strength you acquire is much more transferable to daily life.
Cheers,
Adam