Gym Equipment

Gym Equipment: The Free Weight versus Machine Debate

When you are considering gym equipment for your home or even for when you are working out at the gym, you usually find yourself faced with the dilemma of using free weights or weight machines. Both types of gym equipment have their advantages and disadvantage and sometimes you will find that a combination of both types of gym equipment in your workout gives you the best possible results. Here we will take a look at both types of gym equipment so you can make a comprehensive decision about which one is better for you.

Free weights are great for increasing your overall strength and add mass to your body. This type of gym equipment is what bodybuilders use when they are training. The flat bench press is the most well known piece of free weight gym equipment. Free weights are traditionally made of iron and when you try to lift 50 pounds of free weight gym equipment as compared to 50 pounds on a machine, you will notice that the free weights are harder to lift and use. A good example of how free weights are better than a weight machine is the squat exercise. When performing one of these exercises, you work the muscles of your back as well as your legs. The leg press machine is the closest gym equipment to a free weight squat, but you simply don’t get the same results because you aren’t working the muscles in the same fashion. Free weights do require a spotter, however, and if you do not have one available, you may wish to reconsider using this type of gym equipment. If you do have a spotter available, then you’ll find an additional source of encouragement in them.

Weight machines are considered to be the superior gym equipment in that they eliminate the zone of muscles you are working. Weight machines tend to isolate a specific group or groups of muscles into one exercise. This is why this is the gym equipment of choice for people undergoing physical therapy. They are also better for older exercisers because they have a way to control the weights better. They reduce the risk of injury simply because as you use them you must maintain perfect form at all times. Beginners to the workout scene will also find this type of gym equipment easier to use. Most of them have instructions right on them for use and you do not need a trainer to help you out.

If you are looking for an overall workout that does not build muscle, then you are going to want to use weight machines. If you want muscle mass, then free weights. If you are looking for a combination of both – toning with some muscle gain and definition – then using both types of gym equipment in one routine is the best way to go.