Are free weights better than machines? This is a common question and one that I was curious about myself. I use a combination of both and wanted to know the advantages. To start off, both are great for resistance training. Resistance training has great health benefits such as increasing strength, reducing body fat, and increasing bone density just to name a few.
Some advantages of free weights:
- Does not restrict movements the way machines do
- Uses more stabilizer muscles
- Better training for daily activities (lifting kids, groceries, etc.)
- Builds balance (you don't develop that as much using machines)
- Builds coordination
Some advantages of machines:
- Can really target and isolate the muscles you are working on
- Provides stability
- You don't worry as much about proper form
- Good for beginners
- Less risk of injury
I enjoy using free weights much more than machines. They are more affordable than weight machines and you are not limited to the types of exercises you can do. The only thing I need to get better at with free weights is my form.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I use a combination of a machine (Bio Force TNT) and free weights (dumbells). I like the mix of both – I wouldn’t want to be one or the other. The one issue with free weights for me is that I’ll be needing bigger dumbells.
I tend to gravitate more towards machines just so i don’t have to worry about form as much
It also depends on your training goals. If you are primarily a bodybuilder, it probably doesn’t matter whether you use machines or free weights, and machines might be less hassle (i.e. easier to keep good form).
However, if you are interested in all-round strength, I don’t think this can be achieved with machines alone. It’s difficult to train explosive strength with machines. It’s also difficult to lift a weight from floor to above the head (a la olympic lifts) with machines.
Also, free weights are way more fun!