Free Weights vs. Machines

G

Guitarded

0
I've been working out since the summer started on a home exercise machine. I now have access to a gym with both free weights and machines. At this gym I've been sticking mainly to the machines, but I'm wondering if I should hit the free weights.

I'd rather mainly do machine workouts because I feel they limit the ways of "cheating" while lifting , but I hear free weights are better.

What say you?
 
Free weights are better. Period.

Better for form, better for building real strength, better for building grip strength and stabilizing muscles, and are less likely to cause injury if used properly. Better better better better
 
They both have their pros and cons.

Machines are better for "isolation", in that, since you DON'T use the stabilization muscles, less muscles are involved and more isolatory (word?) to the group you're targeting. It's pretty hard to mess up form on a machine that only goes in one direction. So long as you're not a blundering idiot, you should be able to follow the pictures on the side of the machine. Also, if you don't have a spotter, machines are great because you can effectively "max" out without fear of physical injury in the form of weights landing on you.

Meh...I just started, but that's what I've gathered from numerous sources on the web and mags...
 
When I say better for form, I mean that machines are static, so they are built for a single ideal, and since every single person is different, it definitely doesn't work the same for everyone. So as it ends up, most of the time you are using a machine, it simply cripples your form and doesn't allow you to make proper natural movements. Machine's aren't designed for YOU.

However, anytime you are using free weights, all movements are from YOU and therefore are perfectly suited for YOU. And in this way, you are much better off, as proper movement is important for a good workout, and greatly reduces the chance that you will be injured do to unnatural/restricting movements cause by a machine.

Also, as good as isolation may be for getting big muscles, it doesn't burn much calories, and it doesn't work nearby muscles or stabilizers, preventing you from building real strength.

Now I'm not saying all machines are garbage, but I would say you'll definitely be best off to use them very sparingly.
 
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