[Week 7's Topic] - Free Weights VS. Machines

**Proverbs** · 06-20-2005, 04:36 PM

This weeks discussion ... Free Weights VS. Machines

Let's hear what everyone has to say ...

**Trick D** · 06-20-2005, 05:32 PM

Free weights should be the majority of your workouts... but on days like back... it is really hard not to get on a machine or two or three... seated cable rows, pulldowns, etc are a must in a back workout, and without machines you cannot do this. I also like seated lateral raise machine, leg extension, etc.

MotorcityAl · 06-20-2005, 05:44 PM

I like to combine them due to versatility (ex.-pec deck or low Hammer Strength Rows), but prefer free weights, especially Dumbells. (not you stupid) If I am having a low energy day, or for some reason I need to quickly get a workout in, machines can be handy and lend a nice variety to your workout, but again, Free weights are better for building muscle IMHO.

Matt96teg · 06-20-2005, 06:11 PM

I workout by myself so I usually stick to machines but I do use free weights. Free weights are a lot harsher on my joints too.

Massman · 06-20-2005, 06:36 PM

I workout by myself in my basement so Its all freeweights with exception to the lat pull down. When I do go to a gym the machines are a treat to use. I like the decline benchpress hammerstrength in particular. It really isolates my chest like nothing else.

Master Of Puppets · 06-20-2005, 08:11 PM

Free weights use more stabilizer muscles and are better for building muscle, but as Trick D said, some machines (using his example, for back) are better than free weights to work some muscles.

MOP

Brinn · 06-22-2005, 04:53 AM

I work out at home so it's free weights all the way.

**Sholiz** · 06-22-2005, 05:03 AM

Both serve their purposes and I couldn't do a solid workout with machines or a solid workout without machines.

Leg press? How can it be replicated with free weights. I don't feel squats work as much of my quads as leg press does, so I feel I need it. Same goes for hack squats and toe positioning.

Cable rows are a favorite of mine aswell.

But, could I do an efficient chest workout without deep flyes for a stretch? A-Trainer Flyes or Pec-Deck don't seem to even remotely touch what dumbell flyes do, so no.

Give me a good hammer strength machine and a dumbell rack and my workout is ready to go!!!

Actual Size · 06-22-2005, 12:59 PM

Like all things in life there needs to be balance so I use both.

**Trick D** · 06-22-2005, 03:07 PM

Lets keep this discussion going...

What muscle groups are better to be worked out on in machines (back for example), and what muscle groups are better on freeweights.

Back is a machine day, other than deadlifts.
Seated Cable Rows, Pull ups, Pull downs, and Deadlifts

Chest is a free weight day
Flat, incline, and decline. I like the pec deck and the cable cross overs... but I'm a free weight guy

Biceps- Free weights
I do like machine preachers for one arm curls.

Triceps- Both equally
Dips, pulldowns, rope pulldowns-Machine
Close Grip Bench, Skullcrushers

Legs-machine
because of my bulging discs, there is no squats for me so I do hack squats, leg curls, leg extensions, and leg presses, and seated calve raises

Shoulders-Both
I do seated Lateral raises on machine (strip downs)
I do rear delt exercises with dumbells.

Dan · 06-22-2005, 07:50 PM

When doing the routines where cables lifts are involved I use the machines last to finish things off. I have a sissy gym and frequently max the machines out.

**Sholiz** · 06-22-2005, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

I have a sissy gym and frequently max the machines out.

Coudl do like I do and wind up adding a plate or two on the stack.

Well, only thing I do that for is cable crunches

Dan · 06-23-2005, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sholiz

Coudl do like I do and wind up adding a plate or two on the stack.

Well, only thing I do that for is cable crunches

the max on all the machines is 225-250 ish a couple plates aint going to cut it .. things actually work out fine as I use the machine to finish off muscle groups

**NNTB** · 06-23-2005, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Actual Size

Like all things in life there needs to be balance so I use both.

Same here

**DarkFalcon** · 06-24-2005, 07:58 PM

I like to mix it up but generally prefer to stick with free. I use machines when I want to focus on a specific muscle or for certain back movements. I find I use machines when I want to cheat a little and don't have good energy levels.

Testosterone · 06-25-2005, 02:50 PM

Louie Simmons (creator of Westside Barbell) severely warns against machines for powerlifting due to them focusing more difficulty on the beginning of an excersize than the end. You will find this true, the further you push/pull the bar with a cable on a machine out the easier it is. This is very contradictory to equipped powerlifting since equipped lifters are helped a lot on the beginning (bottom) of an excersize by their suits/shirts but need much more attention on the top of the excersize. This is then the reason for excersizes like the floor press, pin press, quarter squats, etc.

I prefer using real weights instead of machines, though I am not entirely sure why since I don't use shirts or suits. Of course, machines are necessary sometimes for certain excersizes (lat pulldown especially). I lean more toward free weights though.

**BobThePotato** · 06-25-2005, 03:26 PM

I used to be 100% against machines but ive come to learn as long as they are supplemented with free weights they can realy help. And like said before it also depends on the bodypart. I would say back would be the bodypart where most machines can be constructivley used.

~~2Ripped4U~~ · 06-26-2005, 01:30 AM

2 words free weights

Vegeto · 06-26-2005, 05:04 PM

I bought a leverage calf/squat machine a while back. I never use it. I prefer free weights, I do some cable exercises, but mostly just for fun, (I like the feel).

06-20-2005, 04:36 PM	#1
Proverbs Mr. Warm & Easy Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 5,293 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 226	[Week 7's Topic] - Free Weights VS. Machines This weeks discussion ... Free Weights VS. Machines Let's hear what everyone has to say ... __________________ Ads by Google are contextually relevant advertisements that appear beside related content on the page. The web publishers who display Ads by Google are part of the Google AdSense program, and the ads come from Google's base of AdWords advertisers.

06-20-2005, 05:44 PM	#3
MotorcityAl Motorcity God Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Motor City Posts: 187 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	I like to combine them due to versatility (ex.-pec deck or low Hammer Strength Rows), but prefer free weights, especially Dumbells. (not you stupid) If I am having a low energy day, or for some reason I need to quickly get a workout in, machines can be handy and lend a nice variety to your workout, but again, Free weights are better for building muscle IMHO. __________________ Body under construction.

06-20-2005, 06:36 PM	#5
Massman Aviationfit Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Strong Island Posts: 250 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	I workout by myself in my basement so Its all freeweights with exception to the lat pull down. When I do go to a gym the machines are a treat to use. I like the decline benchpress hammerstrength in particular. It really isolates my chest like nothing else. __________________ Shut up and Lift.

06-20-2005, 08:11 PM	#6
Master Of Puppets Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,000 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 46	Free weights use more stabilizer muscles and are better for building muscle, but as Trick D said, some machines (using his example, for back) are better than free weights to work some muscles. MOP __________________

06-22-2005, 04:53 AM	#7
Brinn Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 127 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 5	I work out at home so it's free weights all the way. __________________ "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man." - Jebediah Springfield RIP New and Improved! (Formerly Known As Just Shoot Me!) - 05/05/05

06-20-2005, 06:11 PM	#4
Matt96teg MATT SMASH!@!@!@ Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 362 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 10	I workout by myself so I usually stick to machines but I do use free weights. Free weights are a lot harsher on my joints too.

06-22-2005, 05:03 AM	#8
Sholiz Soldier In Progress Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,992 Recipes: 3 Rep Power: 234	Both serve their purposes and I couldn't do a solid workout with machines or a solid workout without machines. Leg press? How can it be replicated with free weights. I don't feel squats work as much of my quads as leg press does, so I feel I need it. Same goes for hack squats and toe positioning. Cable rows are a favorite of mine aswell. But, could I do an efficient chest workout without deep flyes for a stretch? A-Trainer Flyes or Pec-Deck don't seem to even remotely touch what dumbell flyes do, so no. Give me a good hammer strength machine and a dumbell rack and my workout is ready to go!!! __________________ You hear me before you see me, I got King Kong in the trunk

06-22-2005, 12:59 PM	#9
Actual Size IronMass Donator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North West Indiana Posts: 203 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	Like all things in life there needs to be balance so I use both. __________________ Everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? John 11:26 God Loves You, but do you Love HIM???????

06-22-2005, 07:50 PM	#11
Dan Unpaid Trash Collector Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,784 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 26	When doing the routines where cables lifts are involved I use the machines last to finish things off. I have a sissy gym and frequently max the machines out.

06-24-2005, 07:58 PM	#15
DarkFalcon I've got a RAGING clue! Join Date: May 2005 Location: dnyc99's cleaning staff Posts: 12,526 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 309	I like to mix it up but generally prefer to stick with free. I use machines when I want to focus on a specific muscle or for certain back movements. I find I use machines when I want to cheat a little and don't have good energy levels.

06-25-2005, 02:50 PM	#16
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	Louie Simmons (creator of Westside Barbell) severely warns against machines for powerlifting due to them focusing more difficulty on the beginning of an excersize than the end. You will find this true, the further you push/pull the bar with a cable on a machine out the easier it is. This is very contradictory to equipped powerlifting since equipped lifters are helped a lot on the beginning (bottom) of an excersize by their suits/shirts but need much more attention on the top of the excersize. This is then the reason for excersizes like the floor press, pin press, quarter squats, etc. I prefer using real weights instead of machines, though I am not entirely sure why since I don't use shirts or suits. Of course, machines are necessary sometimes for certain excersizes (lat pulldown especially). I lean more toward free weights though. __________________ Formerly S.C.

06-25-2005, 03:26 PM	#17
BobThePotato Nublarsaurusrex Join Date: May 2005 Location: Calgary//Alberta Posts: 519 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 21	I used to be 100% against machines but ive come to learn as long as they are supplemented with free weights they can realy help. And like said before it also depends on the bodypart. I would say back would be the bodypart where most machines can be constructivley used. __________________ "Geadelt ist wer Schmerzen kennt vom Feuer das in Lust verbrennt."

06-26-2005, 01:30 AM	#18
~~2Ripped4U~~ Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NY Posts: 1,463 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 0	2 words free weights

06-26-2005, 05:04 PM	#19
Vegeto blameless sinner Join Date: May 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 804 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 15	I bought a leverage calf/squat machine a while back. I never use it. I prefer free weights, I do some cable exercises, but mostly just for fun, (I like the feel). __________________ ______________ ________________ ......Busy Training...... __________________ ________________ __________________

06-27-2005, 07:45 AM	#20
builtbeast