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That's also why they're "bad" though, when you let the machine handle your form you aren't getting the full benefit of the exercise.

by gb 16y ago

gfunk911 16y ago
Exactly. Good form on free weights > Using a machine > Bad form on free weights. For me, introducing free weights gradually let me concentrate on the form for each one as I first did it.
- greyboy 16y ago
  I think it's also important to make a distinction about the weight difference between machine and free weight exercises. It's not a 1:1 ratio. It's easy to grunt it out when you don't have to worry about a large, blunt object falling on your face.
  - dhimes 16y ago
    It's also about how fast you can go through a work out. I would do a lot less lifting if I used free weights; machines let me change weight fast. Of course, I'm 48, and when I was 18 I would have laughed at what I just said, because I was powerlifting. But my needs are different now. I do 30 minutes of interval training cardio, and 20 (or so) minutes of weights. I do 2 (maybe 3) sets. The first one is about 12 reps, where I do 4 warm-up reps, 4 at medium weight, at 4 at just-below-what-I'm-lifting-that-day weight (depends where I am in my cycle). I need machines to be able to change the weight "on the fly." Then I do a second set to failure (again, how many reps depends on how much weight I am pushing that week). This quick routine gives me the workout that I am looking for at this point, and I can get it done in the time I am willing to commit (4 days/week). If you don't know what I mean by "where I am in my cycle" (I'm male so it's not that) check out this link: http://www.deepsquatter.com/strength/archives/tomdesign.html http://www.deepsquatter.com/strength/archives/tomdesign.html The only problem is I may be running out of weight on some of the machines. I'll deal with that problem when I get there, though. The more likely result is that I'll lay off the weightlifting for a while and have to "rebuild" before that happens (if, say, I start sailing alot). Edit: typos
percept 16y ago
Even worse, machines may enforce unnatural and potentially dangerous form (Smith machines are particularly linear, for example). Free weights can be more forgiving when your form is a bit off (versus being locked into a groove that leads to a pull or tear).

That's also why they're "bad" though, when you let the machine handle your form you aren't getting the full benefit of the exercise.

by gb 16y ago

That's also why they're "bad" though, when you let the machine handle your form you aren't getting the full benefit of the exercise.

gfunk911 16y ago

Exactly. Good form on free weights > Using a machine > Bad form on free weights. For me, introducing free weights gradually let me concentrate on the form for each one as I first did it.

greyboy 16y ago
I think it's also important to make a distinction about the weight difference between machine and free weight exercises. It's not a 1:1 ratio. It's easy to grunt it out when you don't have to worry about a large, blunt object falling on your face.
- dhimes 16y ago
  It's also about how fast you can go through a work out. I would do a lot less lifting if I used free weights; machines let me change weight fast. Of course, I'm 48, and when I was 18 I would have laughed at what I just said, because I was powerlifting. But my needs are different now. I do 30 minutes of interval training cardio, and 20 (or so) minutes of weights. I do 2 (maybe 3) sets. The first one is about 12 reps, where I do 4 warm-up reps, 4 at medium weight, at 4 at just-below-what-I'm-lifting-that-day weight (depends where I am in my cycle). I need machines to be able to change the weight "on the fly." Then I do a second set to failure (again, how many reps depends on how much weight I am pushing that week). This quick routine gives me the workout that I am looking for at this point, and I can get it done in the time I am willing to commit (4 days/week). If you don't know what I mean by "where I am in my cycle" (I'm male so it's not that) check out this link: http://www.deepsquatter.com/strength/archives/tomdesign.html http://www.deepsquatter.com/strength/archives/tomdesign.html The only problem is I may be running out of weight on some of the machines. I'll deal with that problem when I get there, though. The more likely result is that I'll lay off the weightlifting for a while and have to "rebuild" before that happens (if, say, I start sailing alot). Edit: typos

percept 16y ago

Even worse, machines may enforce unnatural and potentially dangerous form (Smith machines are particularly linear, for example). Free weights can be more forgiving when your form is a bit off (versus being locked into a groove that leads to a pull or tear).