Free weights VS Weight Machines

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Free weights VS Weight Machines
8
Sun, 06-10-2007 - 12:34pm

So....which one is better? or has more benefits? RealAge sent me the answer ;-)


Deciding between free weights and weight machines is like trying to decide between salmon and tilapia for dinner: They both have their strong points.

Both options build muscles. However, free weights (barbells and dumbbells) help you work on balance. Weight machines, on the other hand, can reduce the risk of injury from poor form. Here's why:


Free Form or Injury-Free?




Lifting free weights can work your arms, chest, legs, and shoulders, but it also engages foundation muscles in your torso (the ones that give you good posture and balance) because your body has to work to steady the weights as well as lift them.


Using static weight machines doesn't engage your stability muscles the same way. However, weight machines can help reduce your chances of overstretching a muscle or joint because they're built to guide your motions.

So weigh your risks (prone to injuries?) and goals (to build muscle, balance, or both?) before lifting weights.


When you use weights-- which do you use?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2005
Mon, 06-11-2007 - 8:24am
I've been using free weights, but I have a machine.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2007
Mon, 06-11-2007 - 8:37am

I like using the free weights. To me, it gives me mental strength as well as physical.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-22-2006
Mon, 06-11-2007 - 8:46am
I like both....Love using free weights...but I have trouble with squats and for me, the machine keeps my form top notch.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Mon, 06-11-2007 - 12:41pm

I don't have machines at home, so I use free weights, but I do use some machines if I go to the gym.


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2001
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 4:01pm

I myself am a free-weight type of gal


iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2001
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 11:58am

I prefer the free weights.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2001
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 4:52pm
LOL JJ - one time I was doin a new Pilates dvd and kinda got "stuck" and had to call the kids


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 06-17-2007 - 8:16pm
....guess you have to be watchful of positions on those machines LOL- me, I stick with free weights- which apparently is a good thing!!

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