Free Weights vs Machines, what works best?

Free Weights and Machines both have a purpose, and even though I am seriously biased, whatever works for you is a good thing.

Having this said, there is a difference, a factual one that cannot be denied, no matter what your opinion says, they are different. I am an IronHead, and for me, Free Weights will always make up the biggest part of my training, but, I do use machines for some things, but, what is the difference?

When you are doing a Bench Press with free weights, there are many tiny muscles that are used to stabilize the weight, with a machine, the machine does the stabilizing for you. If you want to throw those rubber-band gizmos into the mix, it is basically the same as any machine, but, it pulls in its own direction, not just that of gravity, which is straight down. That pretty much covers it, but I will get into more detail below.

Free Weights

Take a look at the picture of the Weight Rack, what is wrong with it? Notice how the different sized plates are all mixed up? That is just wrong! That rack is designed for three sizes, and should be so, because those little bitty things are of no use when you train, properly, something I will get into in detail in another article.

When using Free Weight, the first indicator should be the name itself, free weight, no, that is not the price, it simply means that weight is free to go where gravity pulls it. No matter which exercise, if it can be done with Free weights, you will get more out of it, because there are so many more muscles involved, free weights do not isolate a specific muscle, but an entire group of muscles. With free weights, you use different benches for different angles to hit the entire muscle group, not different machines. Do this test, if you are a regular machine lover, just try doing the same weight as the machine, with free weights, you will immediately notice the difference.

The downside to Free Weights is that when you get to the heavier weights, it is good to have a spotter, something not needed with a machine.

Weight Machines

The good side to weight machines, like the one in the picture, is that you can get a full body workout in no time, almost like circuit training, but take a peek at the weight stack, a beginner should be able to max out the machine in just a few months, then what?

Machines come in several types for different purposes, some for home use, which is another advantage over free weights, a machine takes up less space, but, in some cases cost more than a total set-up with Free weights. At the gym, you will see the machines set up in groups, and can be very beneficial for everyone, they do have a purpose. Many people get taught as a beginner on the machines only, and then tend to just stick with them, which is ok, if that is your thing, but, if you want to get strong, Free Weights are a must.

Now, I am going to talk about the biggest joke in the fitness world as far as I’m concerned, but yes, they do have a purpose. The rubber-band gizmos, are fine for those that just want to do something to make them sweat. I don’t care who the “expert” is that they hire to do a commercial, they are useless if you want to gain any mass or strength. These gizmos, will give you a good workout if you have to skip the gym one day, but, even if you buy the expensive ones, that have up to 400lbs of resistance, the movement is unnatural, and does not give you the best bang for your buck, if you really want to train right, and get bigger or stronger, but, they are kinda cute.

Free Weights and Machines, even the rubber-band gizmos, can all give you a workout, it is up to you to decide which is best, For You, look at what your needs are, what your goals are, then decide. Either way, just move something, control your diet, and stay as active as you can. I know that many veterans have limits that prohibit using certain things, for those of you, use what works for you, just keep it fun, never let it become a chore that you dread, because if it is fun, you will stick with it!

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