One of the most common question people will ask when it comes to weightlifting is “ShouldI use free weights or machines”? It is a good question, and one open for debate. Both weightlifting with machines and weightlifting with free weights have their pros and cons. And advocates on both sides. There are those that swear the only true work out must be done with free weights, yet for those who are novices or have had certain injuries, machines seem to be the ticket. Actually most fitness professionals recommend a combination of both, but if you are intimidated by the idea of barbells, and like the more modern feel of weight machines, you can and many do, train exclusively on machines.
If you plan to weightlift only on a machine you will likely be doing most of your workouts in a gym. While there are some good home gym universal or nautilus type machines available, they are not inexpensive, and they do require a fair amount of space, certainly more than free weights. The main advantage of working out with a weight machine is that you do not have to be as conscious of technique. So they are excellent for beginners.
Working out with free weights requires far more training, it is less likely you will injure yourself with an incorrect body position on a machine, because basically the machine positions your body for you. Machines are very easy to use and require little or no training; the movements are “preprogrammed “ on a fixed path based on the mechanics of the machine. Most can hop on a machine and use it correctly the first time by simply reading the instructions with pictured diagrams that are affixed to every machine.
Machines are very good for weightlifters that have a limited range of motion for any reason, many of the same exercises that somebody with such problems could not do with free weights they can do on a machine. Many feel that “circuit training” is easier on machines, and because they
are easier to use, people use them longer then they do free weights. Now some will argue that minute for minute you get a better workout with free weights, and that may be true, but some people feel better about themselves if they can work out longer.
And in weightlifting feeling good about what you are doing and accomplishing is part of what its all about. Also as far as time goes, with machines because you don’t have to change barbell plates simply shift a clip to change weight, you spend more of your time actually workingout.
If you are rehabilitating from an injury especially of the back or shoulders the added support that machines provide can mean the difference between getting back into weight training or not. Also machines are great for the “loner” at home or in the gym, the person who wants to work out with heavy weights and not worry about a spotter is ideally suited to use a weight machine. You can lift to the max on a weight machine with no fear of dropping the weight on yourself and causing serious injury.
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