Comments on: Free Weights VS Machine exercise

By: foongpc

foongpc — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:27:57 +0000

I agree free weights are more effective for people looking to build muscles. But beginners should start with machine exercises and once they are comfortable with it, they can move to free weights. Certain injuries like back injury can be worsened by using free weights so in such cases, machines can be of great help.

By: heidi

heidi — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:41:14 +0000

I think they both can be used effectively, depending on what you’re trying to achieve. I do think in many cases that the machines are safer for lifting heavy weights, especially if you don’t have the luxury of a spotter. Plus I see a lot of people (mostly guys) who use muscles they shouldn’t be using when they are lifting free weights, whereas using a machine adds some stabilization as to not injure your back and such. I think it’s best to learn the correct range of motion and technique on the machines, then to graduate to the free weights.

The bad part about certain machines is that you can cheat on them if you have a stronger arm or leg. The other one is just there for the ride half the time. Free weights corrects this.

By: asithi

asithi — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:59:48 +0000

I also think that it depends on your comfort level to. A lot of women I know who never lifted before are intimidated by the free weights. They know the importance of weight training, but are not sure how to get started.

I think the best thing they can do is to take a resistance training class at the gym or get a workout dvd. The dummies series have a great workout dvd called “Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies.” A beginner dvd that talks about proper form that you can use at home with 3 and 5 pounds dumbbells. If you are pass 50, you might want to start with 1 and 3 pounds dumbbells because if you have never strength trained, you have significantly less strength that younger women. Seriously, once you start strength training and start to see some bicep muscles, you get hook.

By: kent

kent — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:58:05 +0000

I agree with the idea that free weights are more effective in building muscles, but I’ve found that some personal trainers ignore the psychological factors that people deal with when they are working out. For example, I like to walk around the track and many folks would find that to be boring. I also like to use weight machines for a similar reason…I don’t have to focus on the exercise as much as I would if I were using free weights. Also, there seems to less of a possibility of injury with a machine. Not everyone is as committed to exercise as a personal trainer and I for one am glad that we have both options.