Machines VS. Free Weights

**qqqwww** · 10-06-2007, 07:08 PM

The Advantages of Machines:

*They are great for beginners because they are safe and easy to use.
*Machines guide your body through a certain range of motion.
*You don't have to worry about balancing the weight as much as with free weights.
*Machines don't require as much coordination.
*Machines isolate each muscle group.
*Machines let you get in a fast workout. You go through a circuit of machines and then you are finished.
*Machines are usually arranged so that you work large muscle groups and then smaller muscle groups.

The Disadvantages of Machines:

*Machines don't fit everybody. They can be hard to adjust.
*Machines don't build as much balance or coordination.
*Machines can put your body into a bad range of motion. (If you feel uncomfortable move onto another machine)
*Machines are not portable. They can't be moved around very easily.
*Many bodybuilders believe that working out with machines alone doesn't build a very good body

The Advantages of Free Weights:

*Free weights are versatile. One set of dumbells can be used for many exercises.
*Free weights build better balance and coordination.
*Free weights work your muscles in a way that matches real life.
*Many bodybuilders primarily use free weights to gain their massive size.
*Free weights allow you to strengthen muscles and tendons that wouldn't get much work when using machines.

The Disadvantages of Free Weights:

*Free weights can be difficult because of the balance and coordination required.
*A free weight workout will take longer than a machine workout.
*You can get injured easier using free weights.

**chrispghmuscle** · 10-06-2007, 07:14 PM

Very nice explanations, props bro

What do you workout with Kamal? Do you use more of one that the other. Machines to free weights.

I see alot of pro's in the bb'ing video's using the machines to push much heavier stacks but only a couple of inches. Do you also train like that?

Chris

**qqqwww** · 10-06-2007, 07:23 PM

well chris, i use the both!!
To me .. they both are good

**chrispghmuscle** · 10-06-2007, 07:24 PM

cool, thanks

**lil_big_junior** · 10-06-2007, 07:37 PM

i'm the same, i use both

**Teamorbit** · 10-07-2007, 12:20 AM

yes they bothehave different advantages. Right now I am using a lot of machines because I hurt my lower back about a week and a half ago so it also very good to stay in the gym while injured parts are healing.

**Thomas_Rivera** · 10-07-2007, 01:58 AM

What happened to your back Orbit?

Yeah machines are good like that. Back pain is a bitch.

Smeton_yea · 10-07-2007, 02:16 AM

I like to mix them up. Usually I go free weights.

Like durig a training cycle like eight weeks I might use all machines..They really do give you body a different look. I did it this summer for about one month I trained virtually on machines.....Just to target certain muscles it is benificaL

**Teamorbit** · 10-07-2007, 04:17 AM

I was deadlifting abd I think I balanced the weight on once side more than the other,

Thanks for asking Thomas.

skeptic · 10-07-2007, 06:24 AM

get rested up teamorbit!!

Great post kamal! I like to use both.

Mygeeto · 10-07-2007, 08:00 AM

i only use machines when i have to, or for fun.

primarily im a free-weight boy

Megadork · 10-07-2007, 08:21 AM

Majority of my workouts are free weight but i love to use machines at the end of my workouts to really burn out the muscles go for the extra burn. Great post Kamal!!