Free Weights Are Still King
I came across this great article on the web today: 10 Machines At the Gym You Should Avoid. This article goes into detail on why using machines over free weights is typically a bad idea. Ranges of motion are restricted, and you never really reach your Max because the activity is assisted. If you’re going to the gym to try and get in shape, man-up (or woman-up) and hit the free weights. You’ll train far more minor muscles by expanding your range of motion then you would when training a muscle in isolation when using machines.
It is a sad state of affairs when the area in my gym dedicated to machines is about 3 times the size of the area dedicated to free weights.
July 19th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I agree with you that free weights are better than machines but for someone who never lift any weights in their lives I believe that’s better to start with machines, so in my opinion they have a place. However, it’s sad to see that in any gym the machines have more space than free weights because if you want to advance there isn’t any other way then free weights.
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July 25th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I agree with you completely, especially about the smaller twitch muscles that you will work. You work these with free weights as you are also working at stabilizing yourself while lifting.
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Take care,
Andrew
July 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
wow 3 times? It shows the rising trend.
July 29th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I am no longer a member of a gym because I moved to a different area. However when I used to go I found it strange that such a big modern building could have such a small area for free weights. I used to feel like I was getting in the way of the more “dedicated” weight lifters so I tended to skip that part of my exercising and moved onto the machines. Now I just use dumbells and my Pilates machine at home.
PS
I sent a link here from my tumblr blog.
August 7th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
The reality is that we must use free weights if we want to be swole. No amount of bodybuilding or powerlifting can be done with machines or cardio equipment. There is a time and a place for everything I suppose, but the time and place for free weights is here and now. Say ‘werd’ son.
August 8th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
machines are too stable. When you are using dumbbells for say incline bench press you have to use more parts of your muscles and core to stabilize the weights.
the only time i ever use machines is when i am injured and need the stability of the machines to take any strain off the injured area
August 9th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Free weights are absolutely the way to go, I almost always feel sore when I work with free weights, but machines I can do 3/4 of a stack and still barely feel like I worked out.
I think the problem with gyms are that regular people are intimidated by the bodybuilders who actually know what they are doing and avoid the free weight section.
When in doubt, get a trainer or just ask someone!
November 11th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Great read. I have always been a fan of using nautilus machines but do keep some free weights handy around the house. Part of the ritual for me is actually heading over to the gym. I still use a few free weights there as well though.
November 15th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I totally agree ive started working out on th bow flex and moved to free weights..What a difference alot of my smaller muscles that i wasnt using really got a work out and i feel how unstable i really was. Thank you for your info on the difference.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Great read. I have always been a fan of using nautilus machines but do keep some free weights handy around the house. Part of the ritual for me is actually heading over to the gym. I still use a few free weights there as well though.
November 21st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
It is sad. You would think that with the cost of machines vs. free weights that it would encourage gym owners to opt for more free weights.
I don’t agree with the above poster that those who are new to fitness should start off with machines and progress to free weights. Many of the exercises you perform with free weights are identical to movements performed in daily life without the assistance of a machine. I think it’s a disservice to dumb down the nervous system with machine exercises instead of teaching proper form from the get go with free weights.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
In all of my workout routines I’ve always seemed to perform better with free weights. My body feels like it has a more equalized workout versus the times I’ve used machines. I agree, free weights are the best choice.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I don’t go to the gym, I don’t think it has many advantages over working out at home. I use only dumbbells, push ups and stuff like that that doesn’t use anything specific.