Machines vs. Free Weights
By: Ronald Abvajee
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please consult your
general practitioner before attempting this Workout
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  You're at the gym with all that equipment staring you in the face and you don't know which to choose- machines or free weights. It's the toss of the coin. You naturally want to maximize your workout, so here are advantages and disadvantages to both:
The Advantages of Machines:
Good for beginners and easy to use.
They guide your body through a certain range of motion.
Machines isolate muscle groups for you.
You can get a speedy workout.
Balancing the weight is not an issue.
You don't have to be too coordinated.
You work your large muscle groups first, then the smaller ones.
The Disadvantages of Machines:
There's no custom fit and they can be difficult to adjust.
They don't build as much balance and coordination
You can't tote them around in a little blue bag.
They can put the body in a bad range of motion.
Advantages of Free Weights:
They are versatile.
They contribute to better balance and coordination.
They work your muscles in a way that matches real life.
Many bodybuilders use them to gain muscle size and growth.
They allow you to strengthen muscles and tendons that wouldn't get the same workout with machines.
They allow you to use a greater range of motion when performing exercises.
Disadvantages of Free Weights:
They can be difficult to use because of the balance and coordination they require.
They take longer than machines in completing the exercises.
You can hurt yourself easier.
I recommend that the beginner weight trainer use circuit machines to help their muscles adapt to the stress of weight training. After a month or so, they can start using free weights.
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