Free Weights Vs Machines - The Battle!

It seems like everyone has an opinion on this debate. Which is better- free weights or machines? I asked my trainer friends what they thought and it was pretty much split in half. One group loved free weights and the other loved machines.

Those that are just beginning to strength train, those that are rehabilitating a body part, those who want to isolate a particular muscle, and those that want to lift large amounts of weight would be better off selecting a machine. It is safer for your circumstances.

Here's why, free weights require users to have a base of strength, balance and coordination. Machines provide that balance for you. Using a machine the strength trainer can lift a weight in a relatively safe manner. The exercise is guided along a pre-set path that does not allow for unsafe movements. With free weights you are left to your own devices. Your exercise path is whatever feels best for you.

If you are setting up your own in-home gym, I would go with a set of dumbbells. They are less expensive and take up less space. Less is good. Buying an all-in-one machine may be what interests you more and that's fine. Just be sure that all of the cable lines are of strong and high quality material. Otherwise they will wear out over time.

If you want variety in your exercise program, try free weights. You can virtually do any exercise you want. You can also add in fun side kicks such as a stability ball or balance board. With machines you are limited to the one exercise it was built to perform.

In the end, the decision is yours. I think everyone has their own opinion on which is better because we all have different goals and tastes. Go with what you enjoy and prefer. Just be sure to keep your routine fresh and fun.

Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com

Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of http://www.strength-training-woman.com. She is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and yoga instructor.

---

Treadmill Lubrication

Treadmill Lubrication - Ya Gotta Grease The SkidsTreadmill lubrication on... Read More

Tips For Buying A Treadmill

Tips For Buying A Treadmill-Buy To SucceedAmong the best tips... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Pedometer

Question: What's small, weighs about an ounce, and comes in... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Ratings - Of Rants and Ratings

A large selection of elliptical trainer ratings can be found... Read More

Landice Treadmills - A Quick Review of the Landice Treadmill

If you're looking to buy a high end home treadmill... Read More

5 Ways To Get The Most From Your Home Gym

A home gym can help you build muscle, produce an... Read More

Who Says You Can?t Use Commercial Treadmills At Home?

Commercial treadmills are the machines that you see in gyms... Read More

How to Shop for a Treadmill

Treadmills have become the hottest home exercise choice. According to... Read More

Cheap Elliptical Trainers - What You Dont Know Can Cost You Big Time

Should you ever consider purchasing a cheap elliptical trainer? It's... Read More

Spare A Thought For Redundant Exercise Machines

I have an exercise machine that I've used once. Did... Read More

What Is A Heart Treadmill?

A heart treadmill, used by physicians to determine their patients'... Read More

Home Treadmill Review: Things To Watch Out Before Buying A Treadmill

Treadmills are known to be the most popular and most... Read More

Epic Treadmills ? Good Value Or Not?

Epic treadmills are well known in the treadmill market for... Read More

Commercial Elliptical Machines

With the fitness craze that is going on in the... Read More

Treadmills Prove Health Concerns Are No Longer An Excuse Not To Exercise

Walking has long been praised for its health benefits. It... Read More

Treadmill vs. Elliptical -- Whos In The Lead?

See ya later stationary bikes and row, row, rowing to... Read More

Choosing an Elliptical Cross Trainer

Elliptical cross trainers have been around for several years and... Read More

Balls That Could Be The Remedy For Your Workouts

The attic door swings open.Behind the ancient bumper pool table,... Read More

Whirlpool Baths: The Way To Good Health

For hundreds of years, mankind has recognised the soothing, remedial... Read More

Picking Your Home Gym Equipment

When you are picking out the equipment that you are... Read More

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing a Treadmill

With the advancement in the treadmill industry, quality machines could... Read More

Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment

Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These... Read More

Treadmills ? Ideal For Home Exercise

Treadmills are ideal for exercising from home. They can be... Read More

Manual Vs. Motorized Treadmills

When people go to purchase a treadmill, one of the... Read More

Portable Treadmills

Portable Treadmills - For People On The RunPortable Treadmills are... Read More

Deciding on a Fitness Center: Tips for Choosing

Joining one of the many fitness centers in your area... Read More

The Problems with Epic Treadmills

Epic treadmills have long been on the market and have... Read More

Treadmill Reviews ? Get The Most Value For Your Dollar

As the number one fitness machines available, treadmills are very... Read More

Cheap Elliptical Trainers From An Industry Giant

From its humble beginnings as a part time business for... Read More

Home Exercise Equipment ? Start Planning Now for Winter

Most of us have a tendency to gain a few... Read More

How Do I Find The Best Treadmill For Me?

Treadmills are possibly the most popular type of fitness equipment... Read More

What You Should Know About Epic Treadmills

Epic is a well-known manufacturer of budget priced treadmills. Epic... Read More

Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill

Pro Form XP 542s Treadmill - A Good Value At... Read More