Machines vs. freeweights

[supersizeme]

it's all about mixing it up. as long as you keep your training centered around the core freeweights lifts, you should follow up with a mix of isolation exercises done with free weights, hammer strength, and machines. obviously a machine overhead press isn't going to hit as much as overhead db presses, but it will keep your body from getting used to the same free weights routine after a while. just another way to induce a different kind of stress on your muscles.