Freeweight vs. Machine

[Azn_Drag0n]

When do you use freeweight or machines to workout??

I use the Smith for calf raises, reverse calfraises, and seated calf raises because they would be too hard to set up and keep balance.
I also use the Smith for Squats, Straightlegg Straightback deadlifts because it requires more skill and also less time to take off and put on weight plates on the bar.
I use the Smith for upright rows and incline benchpress as well.

Other than that I do bentover rows, deadlifts, etc on freeweight.

What about you?

 

[AJP]

You should really not use the smith machine so much, especially for the squats, deadlifts, and presses. You'll be working much harder and using more muscle with free weights.

The only machine I use is for seated rows, occassionally lat pulldowns and tricep pushdowns.

 

[lma1973]

All i know is that as far as benching goes, i can bench more weight using free weights than i can with a machine. The machine feels awkward, plus when i use free weights i can use my stabalizer muscles and i lift more.

 

[niceone]

I would use free weights over machines whenever possible. Your goal should be to zap your core and recruit your stabilizers as well as the prime movers. When you use the smith, you might be targetting a certain muscle group, but you are not going to grow to your full potential if you use contrived motions.

 

[Hoss]

Only time I use a 'machine' is for lat pull downs, cable flyes, and some cable rows.. Other than that, bb's and db's..

If all you care about is looking good, by all means stick with the machines.

 

[malkore]

I'm with mreik, but also use machiens for calves. however I have genetically large calves...so I don't work them very hard...more for strength than size.