are machine weights a wast of time?

[BOOTSY2002]

so what is better machine weights or free weights, i feel more comfortable on machine weights rather than free, although i still use free weights should i concentrate more on free weights instead or is it just personal preferance

 

[witkowsd]

Free weights are always better.

 

[Mindwraith]

Free weights will always be better than machine weights. There is a lot more balance involved, less isolation. You'll see much greater results with free weights. I'm sure others can come up with 20 more reasons.

 

[wateengedoe2]

No they're not a waste of time ... as long as you combine machines with plenty of free weight excersizes and (preferably) also excersizes that use your own bodyweight as resistance (pullups, pushups, squats, all of these with extra weight if they're too easy without (squats are, of course, but pullups probably are not))

 

[HANSEL]

Machines are a nice compliment to a free weight routine.
I like using the Pec Dec, Cybex Galileo Overhead pulldown, and Ab crunch machines to compliment my BB and DB excercises. But without a doubt, the FW's are better.

 

[TheOak84]

Muscles are proven to work better againts gravity and not machine resistance. The only way im gonna use machines is
when im retire and im over 65 yrs old...

The only mahcines I use now are the Lat pulldown, Leg press and sometimes cable laterials..

 

[BOOTSY2002]

yes but what about safety

yes i agree but are machine weights safer than free weights as i know people who have used frees and now have back problems.

basically i want to know more about this sport as i am new and this is the best place to get DECENT infomation.

from other people in this field.

 

[T-800]

i do both. i like free weights better, but some machines are ok.

 

[makedah]

I don't know if machines are necessarily 'safer.' For the guy/gal who just walks in off the street never having seen a weight lifted, maybe. But machines can also put folks through unnatural ROMs - esp. if their bodies aren't made for the machine (like short women).

Many people have back problems (walking upright makes humans prone to back and knee problems), but I don't see how lifting free weights with good form (and good sense) could CAUSE back problems. If anything, well-executed compound moves with free weights could help to stabilize a person's back (and anything else).

I have a troublesome lower back, and I use dbs, bbs and cables (for pull-throughs, rows and standing abs) 95% of the time. I've worked out with 100% machines before (because that's how they steer the ladies) and this way, and this way is MUCH better in terms of results. I'm now using a Gravitron assisted chin-up machine to help me learn how to do chins until I'm strong enough to do the "starter" exercises (like negatives) without the machine.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: yes but what about safety

yes i agree but are machine weights safer than free weights as i know people who have used frees and now have back problems.

basically i want to know more about this sport as i am new and this is the best place to get DECENT infomation.

from other people in this field.

Machines are LESS safe for two reasons:

1. They force you into an unnatural, single plane of motion.
2. They strengthen the prime movers but not the stabilizing muscles. This leaves you vulnerable to injury.

 

[Mindwraith]

Re: Re: yes but what about safety

Machines are LESS safe for two reasons:

1. They force you into an unnatural, single plane of motion.
2. They strengthen the prime movers but not the stabilizing muscles. This leaves you vulnerable to injury.

What he said, and additionally to comment on your post that freeweights cause back problems, on the contrary, if done with good form they get rid of back problems. Back strength is important and it is why many people with a lack thereof have back problems in the first place. Free barbell deadlifts and squats will significantly improve your back strength and reduce the chance of injury in any situation.

I can tell you from first hand experience (I had chronic back problems) that I no longer have back tension and soreness problems from sitting in a chair all day thanks to these two exercises. I used to hurt my back a lot doing the easiest things (picking up trash off the floor), I haven't had any problems like that ever since I started these. Tension head and neck aches are rare and minimal as well.

 

[BOOTSY2002]

I THINK THIS IS A GOOD DISCUSSION

BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS,

WOULD YOU THINK IT WOULD BE WISE FOR ME 16 YEAR OLD TO USE FREE WEIGHTS INSTEAD OF MACHINES?
I CAN ALREADY LIFT QUITE A BIT FOR MY AGE AND SIZE SO IS IT TIME TO SWITCH.
CURRENTLY I DO DO SQUATS BUT ON THIS SPECIALISED MACHINE (IT IS TALL WITH SUPPORTS ON EITHER SIDE? YOU CAN ALSO DO BENCH PRESSES ON IT!) ANY ONE KNOW ITS NAME?

AND ALL THE OTHER EXERCISES I DO ARE ON MACHINES SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: I THINK THIS IS A GOOD DISCUSSION

BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS,

WOULD YOU THINK IT WOULD BE WISE FOR ME 16 YEAR OLD TO USE FREE WEIGHTS INSTEAD OF MACHINES?
I CAN ALREADY LIFT QUITE A BIT FOR MY AGE AND SIZE SO IS IT TIME TO SWITCH.
CURRENTLY I DO DO SQUATS BUT ON THIS SPECIALISED MACHINE (IT IS TALL WITH SUPPORTS ON EITHER SIDE? YOU CAN ALSO DO BENCH PRESSES ON IT!) ANY ONE KNOW ITS NAME?

AND ALL THE OTHER EXERCISES I DO ARE ON MACHINES SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Turn off your Caps Lock key and slowly step back away from the computer............

It sounds like you're talking about a Smith Machine. They're bad news.

 

[Mindwraith]

Re: I THINK THIS IS A GOOD DISCUSSION

BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS,

WOULD YOU THINK IT WOULD BE WISE FOR ME 16 YEAR OLD TO USE FREE WEIGHTS INSTEAD OF MACHINES?
I CAN ALREADY LIFT QUITE A BIT FOR MY AGE AND SIZE SO IS IT TIME TO SWITCH.
CURRENTLY I DO DO SQUATS BUT ON THIS SPECIALISED MACHINE (IT IS TALL WITH SUPPORTS ON EITHER SIDE? YOU CAN ALSO DO BENCH PRESSES ON IT!) ANY ONE KNOW ITS NAME?

AND ALL THE OTHER EXERCISES I DO ARE ON MACHINES SO WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Yes, would be wise, you're young and able. (lucky bastard) I would stay far away from that smith rack you're speaking of. Stick with free weights, trust me, you will see a vast difference even within a short month's time. Machines are just for emphasis and added fatigue, such as leg extensions before free bar squats. The only thing I use machines for is leg curls after stiff legged dead lifts, and standing calf raises/donkey calf raises. T-bar and sitting calf raise is the only other thing that comes close to machine type weight that I use, and those don't use pulleys.