Comments on: Iron is King! Machines vs. Free Weights

By: beginners workout

beginners workout — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:00:05 +0000

I believe machines have their places. They are a good fit for older age groups and fot those who are seriously overweight and just getting started.

By: Supplement Dude

Supplement Dude — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:42:58 +0000

I’m a free-weight guy myself. However I no longer do barbell bench press due to all the serious pros getting pec tears and shoulder injuries from that movement. I still do dumbell presses though, and have always liked dumbell benching more than babell.

By: Simple Exercises

Simple Exercises — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:54:55 +0000

I also agree with your post. I used to use all machines and no free weights. My progress was less than impressive. I switched to free weights and will never look back.

By: Bowflex Sale Guy

Bowflex Sale Guy — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:24:08 +0000

That was a nice long post.

First off i definitely agree with your comment on safety that people must use common sense and lift only what is a reasonable amount and to not go over the top.

Secondly, i disagree with your comment on using weights over machines, to an extent, as machines use a specific path so you build up specific muscles that is why they don’t necessarily promote free movement but i do believe its important to get a machine that has a large amount of options.

By: Fitness Equipment Bodyblade

Fitness Equipment Bodyblade — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:06:15 +0000

Many times using machines can hurt you in the long run when you don’t know how to use them. At the same time if you don’t know how to use free weights then they can hurt you as well. So, I think one of the keys is to make sure you know what you are doing and get the training you need.

By: Weight Loss Michal

Weight Loss Michal — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:23:34 +0000

I always try to workout at least 3 times per week. It gives me huge amount of energy and I feel very optimistic after great workout. I sit many hours by the computer so every workouth is great relief for me.

By: Free Weights Workout Program

Free Weights Workout Program — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:18:09 +0000

I agree completely. After using free weights for a long time I decided to switch it up a little and try using more machines….worst mistake I ever made! I never once felt a burn like I did using free weights. Free weights, in my opinion, is ever bit as safe as a machine as long as, like you said, you’re not an idiot.

By: Bodybuilding Workout

Bodybuilding Workout — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:08:11 +0000

I live by the same philosophy that you do when it comes to guys that say working out is “fun”.

If it’s fun then you just ain’t doing it right and it’s usually somebody working out on a nautilus machine who says it’s fun.

There’s nothing fun about squats, deadlifts and super sets of flyes followed by presses…

By: Burn Calories Fast

Burn Calories Fast — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:17:37 +0000

I’m a big fan of using free weights over machines. I never feel like I get much of a workout on machines, plus you dont use any stabilizing muscles like you would with free weights. Machines have their place, for muscles that are tough to work otherwise, but given the option I’d choose free weights every time.

By: Al

Al — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:43:19 +0000

â€œHey man, how much can you do on the seated chest press machine?â€

ROFL.

When I use machines, it always feels like I’m trying to work out in a straight jacket. It just feels all wrong. Using free weights is a much more natural feeling. Perhaps I just don’t like being told what to do.