Free weights vs. machines
Posted: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 1:47 AM
Filed Under:
Strength training, Jay Blahnik
By Jay Blahnik
Although there is much debate over whether it's best to strength train with free weights or machines, the truth is that you can get great results from both. There is no specific research that proves one is better than the other, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Machines take the guesswork out of the exercises by guiding you through the movement and allowing you to change weights by simply moving a pin. However, if your favorite machine is being used, you can waste time waiting for it to become available.
With free weights, you can do most of your basic exercises in one small space without having to work around other people or wait for machines. But proper technique becomes much more important because it is easier to do the exercises incorrectly without the guidance of a machine. And it can be time-consuming to find the appropriate free weight that works for each exercise.
The best strength training programs usually combine machines and free weights, because it helps challenge your body and provides more variety than just using one or the other.
