Free weights VS Weight Machines
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| 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?


I like using the free weights. To me, it gives me mental strength as well as physical.
I don't have machines at home, so I use free weights, but I do use some machines if I go to the gym.
I myself am a free-weight type of gal
I prefer the free weights.
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