Machines vs. Free Weights

[tekmoney]

My main man Lush has written an article on Machines vs. Freeweights

http://www.betterbodyjournal.com/blog/?p=26

I completely agree that machines should be left for the competive body builders. Those who are looking for functional and practical strength(athletes, bouncers, fighters, etc...) should use free weights. The people who are doing squats on the Smith machines make me want to scream at them! But i can't, because we live in a civilzed society where that might be considered 'crazy'.


Discuss.

I can't say I agree with the author at all. Machines can be very efficient at targeting specific muscles in a way that free weights can't. Hammer Strength machines are designed and developed by Gary Jones, ( I'm prettu sure is the son of Nautilius inventor Arthur Jones). These machines are designed to have the most resistance when the muscle is in its peak contraction. This can be very beneficial and should not be overlooked simply because it is a machine giving that style of workout.

This argument of one form of weightlifting being better than the other is as outdated as the one they used in the 50's & 60's that weightlifting would make ball players "muscle bound" and unable to perform better. Machines and free weights should be used in conjunction with each other (if possible) to bring out the best in a person.

And, to be honest, I really only skimmed the article once I read this:

then I am going to write about my view: the true view

That just really irritated me. In the end the article is nothing more than his opinion.

[cursor]

Muscle development and overall lean body mass enhancement comes from active resistance. It doesn't matter how that load is applied -- in the form of free-weights, machines, resistance bands, power rods ... or whatever format. Resistance is resistance. Insisting that "functional and practical strength" only comes from free-weights is grossly myopic.

[Vas85]

I'm very known in my gym for doing squats on a Smith Machine, when it gives my back better support and i can apply a heavier load, taking into account the bar on barbell squats, why not.. I can also go past failure, if I cant get a full rep, just twist the bar back on, and off i get, also makes resting between reps a lot easier to really target the muscles.

I can't really think why machines would be left only for Competitive Bodybuilders, since we train to build the ideal physique, and some of them have it, and .'. if they are using machines, it must mean that it is good to a degree.

I believe both have their benefits and like IronMan has mentioned, to be used together to bring out the best in a person.

[Cort]

There's nothing wrong with machines, especially cables =).

For most people in the gym just trying to stay fit, machines are an acceptable route.

I prefer free-weights, but my mentality is centered around powerlifting. I implement cable machines all the time, though. The downside is they don't have enough weight for various exercises due to the way they are designed.

[F_Mac]

Originally Posted by Cort

There's nothing wrong with machines, especially cables =).

For most people in the gym just trying to stay fit, machines are an acceptable route.

I prefer free-weights, but my mentality is centered around powerlifting. I implement cable machines all the time, though. The downside is they don't have enough weight for various exercises due to the way they are designed.

Well said, and I agree 100%. Both will work. Machines are better for some people who are uncomfortable with their form, have pre-existing injuries or are just looking for general health & fitness.

IMO, anyone who trains seriously for strength and/or size needs to incorporate some degree of free weight exercises as machines will most likely not provide sufficient resistance.

[tekmoney]

Don't get me wrong I have nothing against cables. They're fine and old school too, and at least give you a variable range of motion. i'm talking about those one-directional ... well i dont even know the brands anymore its been so long since i used them.

[Todd]

All i know is that cable curls are even better than barbell curls.... so machines do dominate at times. Cable curls provide constant tension during the entire rep, whereas with barbell curls the resistance lessens at particular points of each rep (ie: the top portion). Constant tension is something that free weights cannot give you all the time. This makes cables superior to free weights in certain instances.

Take home message: "always think outside the box."

[Bearbait]

The leg press machine was invented to keep Sissies out of the squat rack.
Just joking.