freeweights vs machine

markfj · 18-04-2008, 12:22 AM

Out of interest, what do you think is more helpful? The reason I ask, is as some already know I am working on a routine, and alot of poeple have said to stick with freeweights rather than machines, but does it really matter that much?

Just curious, if freeweights are that much better I would use them, but for example today I was doing incline bench presses on machine, and felt more comfortable as I dont have a spotter rather than using the bench

Mark

cellaratt · 18-04-2008, 01:19 AM

Well thats a loaded question...Stay with free weights if the execise can be done with both...some exercises can only be done with machines so you will have no choice but to use them on occasion....without a spotter you may be forced to use a machine where safety is a issue but overall you will benefit more with free weights... IMO

Gazz · 18-04-2008, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markfj

Out of interest, what do you think is more helpful? The reason I ask, is as some already know I am working on a routine, and alot of poeple have said to stick with freeweights rather than machines, but does it really matter that much?

Just curious, if freeweights are that much better I would use them, but for example today I was doing incline bench presses on machine, and felt more comfortable as I dont have a spotter rather than using the bench

Mark

Machines remove your bodies job if stabilizing itself as its taking the pressure for you.Good for focus training a muscle and if you are training alone i.e. your chest.You are getting a better workout with free weights because resistance is 100% on you and your body is the machine doing the stabilizing but they have an important place.Use everything there is at your diposal.You can have a very intense session on a machine if you're thorough enough.I could'nt live without my incline chest press and back fly machines at my gym they help me murder out those last drops of energy when dropping the weights on your head through exhaustion is'nt an option!

Nath · 18-04-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gazz

Machines remove your bodies job if stabilizing itself as its taking the pressure for you.Good for focus training a muscle and if you are training alone i.e. your chest.You are getting a better workout with free weights because resistance is 100% on you and your body is the machine doing the stabilizing but they have an important place.Use everything there is at your diposal.You can have a very intense session on a machine if you're thorough enough.I could'nt live without my incline chest press and back fly machines at my gym they help me murder out those last drops of energy when dropping the weights on your head through exhaustion is'nt an option!

Exactly what he said.
Machines deffo have their place, I sometimes like doing a few chest presses on the machine as I feel I can concentrate on squeezing the chest more than when I have a heavy barbell to deal with. It's personal choice but if u have access to both, use both and mix it up.

markfj · 18-04-2008, 05:49 PM

thanks all

wogihao · 18-04-2008, 07:23 PM

hmmm...

I used to think that free weights were the answer to everything - hell Nasser el Sonbaty said that in the begining you use heavy free weights and build a base then when you get big you use machines....

I had a go on a Hammer machine a few years ago and it totaly changed my view - I love them. They are my fav machines if I had the hammer press machine i would do that instead of bench probs.

Use a combination for isolation exersise but keep the compounds as god intended - Free!

Gazz · 19-04-2008, 02:02 AM

Virtical Traction's for Lats are a fave

markfj · 19-04-2008, 07:06 PM

thaks for the advice,

as I am making a routine, comes in very helpful

Mark

18-04-2008, 12:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
markfj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cambridge Posts: 35 Rep Power:	freeweights vs machine Out of interest, what do you think is more helpful? The reason I ask, is as some already know I am working on a routine, and alot of poeple have said to stick with freeweights rather than machines, but does it really matter that much? Just curious, if freeweights are that much better I would use them, but for example today I was doing incline bench presses on machine, and felt more comfortable as I dont have a spotter rather than using the bench Mark

18-04-2008, 01:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
cellaratt I'm Back Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: VT...USA Posts: 394 Rep Power:	Re: freeweights vs machine Well thats a loaded question...Stay with free weights if the execise can be done with both...some exercises can only be done with machines so you will have no choice but to use them on occasion....without a spotter you may be forced to use a machine where safety is a issue but overall you will benefit more with free weights... IMO ______________________ The little men who live behind my eyes and scream directly at my brain told me to tell you hello. The only thing more expensive than education is ignorance. On the journey of life I choose the psychopath If your not part of the solution than your part of the problem. I'm like a Super Hero with no powers or motivation.

18-04-2008, 05:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
markfj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cambridge Posts: 35 Rep Power:	Re: freeweights vs machine thanks all

18-04-2008, 07:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
wogihao Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 191 Rep Power:	Re: freeweights vs machine hmmm... I used to think that free weights were the answer to everything - hell Nasser el Sonbaty said that in the begining you use heavy free weights and build a base then when you get big you use machines.... I had a go on a Hammer machine a few years ago and it totaly changed my view - I love them. They are my fav machines if I had the hammer press machine i would do that instead of bench probs. Use a combination for isolation exersise but keep the compounds as god intended - Free!

19-04-2008, 02:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
Gazz Sweat means effort! Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 627 Rep Power:	Re: freeweights vs machine Virtical Traction's for Lats are a fave ______________________ "Practice puts brains in your muscles"

19-04-2008, 07:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
markfj Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cambridge Posts: 35 Rep Power:	Re: freeweights vs machine thaks for the advice, as I am making a routine, comes in very helpful Mark

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