Free Weights or Machines ?

I get this question often as a trainer so often I want to address today. Here is my opinion on the free weights or machine questions. I use both machines and free weights as well as bands and many other tools in my training. Why machines ? Machines are designed to provide a stable controlled repetition for the person utilizing the machine. The benefit of this is it keeps the person training from experiencing too much momentum or flexion, in a direction that could cause injury, if used properly. Free weights, I like for applications where the individual has both the strength and control to handle the weight with proper form and posture. With free weights the benefits truly come from form and technique " It is not the weight you lift, it is how you lift it." Tempo and speed are both crucial with machines and free weights. Control: is using the proper weight and being in the correct position during the entire exercise while having full control through the motion of performing it.

Can you get a good workout with only have free weights ? Absolutely, the same applies to machines but free weights may actually offer more variety if you only have limited machines to chose from. A well appointed modern gym facility can offer a tremendous varieity of tools to train with, using all that they offer may afford the very best results and the most efficient use of gym time.

Disclaimer:

Statements contained in this blog are not intended to treat nor diagnose any disease or illness and are not evaluated by the FDA. This blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only anyone starting a diet or exercise program should consult their Dr.