Training FAQ #4: Are free weights superior to machines?

[BrotherInArms]

In my opinion, machines are good, free weights are king.

I like to get big the old fashion way, plain ole heavy metal. I just can't picture Serg Nubret or Reg Park using too many Cybex machines.

[MeGa MaK]

in my opinion

i think that free weight are more effective than the machines , but i use both of them cuz each one has its own effect on each body part that you aretraning on.

[monster99]

The only machines the I ever use are cables, and most of the time, I just diss them with free weight exercises. I really think machines are useless, no offense to the hammer strength, smith machine, or cybex enthusiasts...

[mysilentcuffs]

What is 1 set to failure? How to do this on dips?

[Young&Hungry]

In my opinion, machines are good, free weights are king.

I like to get big the old fashion way, plain ole heavy metal. I just can't picture Serg Nubret or Reg Park using too many Cybex machines.

Seriously can't remember the last time I used any machine. Growing and getting stronger faster than ever so I must be doing something right...

[sazali samad]

for me free weight is a lot better than machine.i gain 10kgs in past 6 months just doing free weight.but i go as heavy as possible.

[freak-a-boo!!]

In general use machines when the movement is circular. For ex when doing pec flyes it is better to use the pec fly machine than DBs because the machine puts constant stress on the muscle. The machine converts the circular movement into a straight up and down movement, meaning that your arms are moving circular but the weight is moving straight up and down. This places constant stress on the pecs. Same goes for laterals for deltoids. Using a cable machine for the laterals does the same thing.

[Hola Bola]

Use them both... find out what works for you and run with it. There are no necessary exercises.

[BaseballMonster]

When all my friends are on the machines and their doin machine precher curls at 50 lbs for 5 reps I'm over by the free weights doing precher curls at 75lbs for 15-20 reps. LOL and the same with leg day. My friends can do alot on the leg press, but I tell them to go over and squat and they can only do around 95-100 lbs LOL. I hate ignorance in people who use machines only.

[SA-Hulk]

I think all movements have their place in a workout, machines and free weights.
What would a leg day be without machine extentions and ham curls?
Leg Pressing is a great way to rack on some extra poundage to the legs, keeping the back supported - but you gotta squat, shit its not legs if you dont squat at some point!
I Always start with my free weights (other than leg day when sometimes i'll throw in the extentions before squatting, hits the quads F'in hard)!
Once the free weights start becoming dangerous, failure comes in, and shit gets risky, then i hit the machines just for those extra few sets and pump!

[BaseballMonster]

true that HULK i got the same goin on with the free and then all machines.

[SlikRick]

New to bodybuilding. I want to use the minimum amount of machines possible. I agree that free weights have to be more effective at building mass and strength, but how can you have a complete leg day without incorporating machines? The Squat is the king of all exercises, but you have to throw in the leg press somewhere in there.

[diesel1976]

Free weights work and so do machines, use em all and use them intensely, and they all make your grow, dont use either exclusively. Just hit whatever your using hard and heavy and youll grow.

[simpleguy]

New to bodybuilding. I want to use the minimum amount of machines possible. I agree that free weights have to be more effective at building mass and strength, but how can you have a complete leg day without incorporating machines? The Squat is the king of all exercises, but you have to throw in the leg press somewhere in there.

nah, it's cool, the leg press is a pretty compound movement as well... load some heavy weight and have fun

the squat is the king, but you should do everything, from leg presses to hack squats to stiff-leg deads, and even leg extensions and curls, they all serve their purpose

[Psycho77]

New to bodybuilding. I want to use the minimum amount of machines possible. I agree that free weights have to be more effective at building mass and strength, but how can you have a complete leg day without incorporating machines? The Squat is the king of all exercises, but you have to throw in the leg press somewhere in there.

I usually start off with free weights like squats, then end off with machines like the leg press. That way, I can go really fucking heavy without fear of getting crushed when my muscles are near failure.

[nic_hendy]

for a powerlifter would it be better to do free weights then machines?

and just curious to find some new workouts but what are some more good workouts to get deadlift up other then of course deadlift?

[simpleguy]

for a powerlifter would it be better to do free weights then machines?

DEFINITELY

[Ady]

Free weights, Free weights more free weights.....then when you can do no more free weights hit the machines

[BJ Shaffer]

I think free weights are alot more beneficial than machines. But some machines are good as well. I think you should have a mixture of both and not just all one or the other

[Pravus]

I live by Machine Preachers. They keep tension on the biceps the whole time. 3 sets of 12, then a drop set. My bi's are super pumped, and destroyed.