Free Weight/Machines

[Low Bridd]

I use free weight. For example, benching with nothing helping me, lifting dumbbells etc.

 

Most people prefer free weight, I'm just curious as to why. Is it because you won't always have machines? And why are machines so much easier? Because it guides you? 

 

Thanks

[Insecurities]

More range of movement with free weights is what makes me prefer them.

[Dog]

Machines are locked in a range of motion which takes out stabilisation muscles and many synergists, works just as well tho tbh but ur base of ur routine should be free weights

[DeltaPapa]

Machines restrict your movement.

 

Machines help you lifting the weight

 

Machines don't let you use muscles which support the weight in position.

 

This is put extremely basically.

 

Free weights are better

[Paxman]

Machines are locked in a range of motion which takes out stabilisation muscles and many synergists, works just as well tho tbh but ur base of ur routine should be free weights

^

you don't have the constant resistance you do with free weights I believe

[Josh|0MEGA]

As said above free weights will use stabiliser muscles which is better in my opinion. Normally people use the machines to start with to build core strength but from time to time I have seen/spoken to people that will use a machine to focus on a certain muscle/muscles 

[Ikz]

Free weights gain more range of motion but your weights will be lower.

 

Machines lack motion but you can lift heavier weight.

[Flustered]

its cuz i dont trust cyborgs so yes free weights r cewl

[Rogers]

I <3 sitting on sweaty machines!

[Insecurities]

Free weights gain more range of motion but your weights will be lower.

 

Machines lack motion but you can lift heavier weight.

Honestly I don't see the point in bigger numbers. Form > Weight amirite?

[Ikz]

 

Free weights gain more range of motion but your weights will be lower.

 

Machines lack motion but you can lift heavier weight.

Honestly I don't see the point in bigger numbers. Form > Weight amirite?

 

In theory yes, but if your form will be exactly the same as if you do it on a machine, then why not do the heavier weight? Rather than hurt yourself doing a free weight overexerting yourself. Mind you this is if your workout is planned around High weight low reps. If you're a low weight high reps kind of person then absolutely do free weight. 

[C0MPLETE]

I think a mixture of free weights and machines are needed. Most people don't use machines because they dont want to sit in other peoples sweat or they do not know what the machines do. Machines may guide you but free weights dont always work the right muscles.

[Rihana Pm Me]

Machines are locked in a range of motion which takes out stabilisation muscles and many synergists, works just as well tho tbh but ur base of ur routine should be free weights

 

^

 

machines good for isolation and working around injuries too.

[N0 S0UL]

I think a mixture of free weights and machines are needed. Most people don't use machines because they dont want to sit in other peoples sweat or they do not know what the machines do. Machines may guide you but free weights dont always work the right muscles.

This ^

[Siktrix]

Yeah it's the difference of free weights utilizing smaller stabilizing muscles in addition to the primary muscle you are training as opposed to a machine, which isolates the muscle being worked. Machines can also help you achieve a higher weight or can be safer when lifting without a spotter.

Edited August 5, 2013 by Siktrix

[Tris]

Half these replies make me question human existence. 

[sweet pig]

hammer-strength machines/cables should definately not be overlooked! 

 

e.g. my chest day yesterday, started off with incline dumbell bench as per usual, then the other 4 exercises all relied on the above. 

i utilize these machine for getting that strong mind-muscle connection! 

[Dog]

dunno why every1s mentioning range of motion lol? there's no lack of range of motion at all rofl?

[Ollie]

I use mostly dumbbells but I use machines for finishing exercises like flies, cable crossovers, tricep pushdowns, etc.

 

It's about how you actually perform the exercise so I don't think it really matters what you use

[Average Joe]

the range of motion yuh know for the range of motion that when ur putting it in the range of motion.

 

what u put in is what ull get out.

[sweet pig]

the range of motion yuh know for the range of motion that when ur putting it in the range of motion.

 

what u put in is what ull get out.

 nice mate i understood all of that

[will-turb]

people need to stop thinking like this i.e

 

Free weights vs machines

chest/bi & back/tri vs chest/tri & back/bi vs push/pull 

barbell bench vs DB bench

 

etc

 

Broscientists all around the world have claimed that the more variety you have in your gym lifespan the better it is for ur mussels 

 

UALREADYKNOWHOITIS

[Average Joe]

 

the range of motion yuh know for the range of motion that when ur putting it in the range of motion.

 

what u put in is what ull get out.

 nice mate i understood all of that

 

i help when its needed :3

[Rihana Pm Me]

hammer-strength machines/cables should definately not be overlooked! 

 

e.g. my chest day yesterday, started off with incline dumbell bench as per usual, then the other 4 exercises all relied on the above. 

i utilize these machine for getting that strong mind-muscle connection! 

 

starts chest day with incline dumbbell 

 

my nigga