Machines Vs Free Weights: Which is Better?

The debate over using free weights or machines is one of the biggest in the bodybuilding and fitness world. We will be taking a look at the pros and cons of using each and which is the most effective for building muscle fast.


Free weights

A free weight is basically any object that you can move around freely and does not have a defined structure like machines. Free weights include:

• Your own body weight
• Barbells
• Dumbbells
• Resistance band/pulleys
• Ankle weights/weight vest

The best way to build muscle is to use free weights because you will be recruiting more muscle fibers since you need to stabilize the weight. Due to more muscle contractions it will lead you to better results.

Free weights tend to be more beneficial to athletes. For example if you were a football player using a machine you could easily build a nice set of Pecs but when it came to the field you would lack the functionality.

Pros of using Free Weights

• Free weights can work out different muscles at the same time.

• More effective at building muscle

• Free weights are beneficial to athletes because the movements will be much more similar to the ones used in the sport. Thus increasing strength and stamina.

• You can do several different exercises with a single set of dumbbells

• They are much cheaper then purchasing a machine.

Cons of using Free Weights

• Using free weights can be hard if you don't know how to stabilize and balance the weights. This could possibly lead to an injury.

• It is harder to isolate a specific muscle. You must use proper form in order target the muscle and if you don't it can sometimes end up in not proportional muscles. For example your right arm may be bigger than your left.

• Poor form can lead to ineffective results

Machines

Machines include most of the equipment in the gym which you can't move around. They are most commonly referred to as weight, or stack machines. Here are a few quick examples:

• Smith Machine
• Treadmill
• Peck Deck Machine
• Leg press machine

Some bodybuilders tend to lean towards using machines because they are more efficient at working out the targeted muscle. This is due to the machines ability to isolate the muscle. Moreover, machines can be a great for beginners who are just starting out and looking to build muscle. 


Pros of using machines

•  Are safer and easier than free weights.

• Easier to perform the exercise without a spotter. 

• Good for bodybuilding because you can isolate a specific muscle and build your body proportionately.

• Better alternative if you are recovering from an injury.

Cons of using machines

• Will get a more toned and lean look instead of a muscular physique

•  Hard to build stabilizer muscles because you are following a predetermined path with a machine.

•  Usually only allow one type of exercise per machine making it very limited. 

Conclusion

A lot of gym goers out there may disagree with using machines because of the added benefits from using free weights but it’s important to use both. You will be able to diversify your workout and can use machines when you need to target a specific muscle.  

In the end it really comes down to your own decision and what your goals are. Hopefully we were able to shed some light and help you figure which is best for you.