Training with Machines Vs Free Weights
This is probably one of the most common questions I get from new clients – What is the difference between training with the machines and training with the free weights. Some people say that machines are better and some say the free weights are better so lets clear the air. Machines are great for beginners to weight training because they allow you to soley focus on the one muscle group you are training. For example lets use the chest press. When you sit down at the machine you have a seat to sit on, a back support rest, and two handles that are fastened to the machine that will only move in the set correct range of motion. Now when doing the same exercise using the bench and barbell there is a little more involved. You are lying down, the bar will move in whatever motion you put it in and you are forced to use your abs to balance yourself, you must have enough strength and control in your arms to correctly lower the weight and press it back up. Definitely requires more coordination and balance. So with the free weights you are training the chest but your other muscles are also used as stabilizers. I train with both machines and free weights they are both great- but definitely start out on machines to learn correct form and positioning so that when you do move onto free weights you are using them correctly.
Posted in Workouts on May 31st, 2007 by | | 0 Comments