• Nationwide
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Calgary
  • Montreal
  • Los Angeles
  • Chicago
  • NYC
Eligible Magazine
  • Dating
    • Editor’s Dating Notes
    • Better Dating Ideas
    • “The Bachelor” Advice
    • Guy Talk
    • Girl Talk
  • Relationships
  • Sex
  • Events
  • Fashion
    • Men’s Style
    • Women’s Style
  • Lifestyle
    • Gossip
    • Wine & Dine
    • Luxurious Living
    • Entertainment
    • Destinations
  • Wellness
    • Men’s Fitness
    • Women’s Fitness
    • Get Inspired
    • Doctor’s Orders
    • A Better YOU
    • Beauty
  • Bachelor & Bachelorette
  • Cities
    • Nationwide
    • Toronto
    • Vancouver
    • Calgary
    • Montreal
    • Los Angeles
    • Chicago
    • NYC
Ask A Male Trainer, Men's Fitness 0

Free Weights Or The Machine?

By Paul · On December 7, 2012

The debate continues whether free weights or machines are superior for weight training. Naturally both can be used to help build muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility however each also has its benefits and setbacks. Which is right for you truly depends on your goals, environment, and expertise.

Machines:

Machines offer a significant advantage over free weights due to the fact they are safer. If you are new to the weight room the possibility of dropping a leg press machine on yourself is very slim when compared to a free weight such as a dumbbell. Machines are also useful when training without a spotter since there is little to no chance of apparatus injuring he user. With machines the range of motion is completely defined by the mechanics of the machine and deviation from that pathway is not possible. Generally speaking, machines are heavily used by beginners and seniors due the limited possibilities of injuries.

Free Weights:

Numerous studies have shown that free weights require more balance, coordination, and muscular strength when compared to machines. Researchers believe this additional effort allows for larger and faster strength gains to be achieved when compared to exercising with machines. Free weights require a greater skill set to operate which place larger demands on muscles, which ultimately means more gains when compared to machines. Free weights also provide a bonus since the range of motion is selected by the user and not dictated by a machine. This means the user is able to vary exercise positions and make subtle changes as required to increase the effectiveness of each the exercise.

The Bottom Line:

In an ideal world the user should incorporate both free weights as well as machines in to their exercise program. By combining both the user will benefit from both styles / variations of weight training. When lifting free weights always remember to use a spotter if you feel you are close to your maximum, this will ensure you do not injure yourself. If time is of the essence stick with free weights they will get you to your goals much faster than machines alone.

Share Tweet

Paul

With over 20 years of weight training and conditioning experience, Paul Gill is a top personal trainer in Toronto, Ontario. A certified nutritionist and successful bodybuilder, Paul's professional and personal goal is to help you improve your well-being through optimum health and fitness. Paul can be contacted by email at [email protected] gilltraining.com

You Might Also Like

  • man in fear Wellness

    Fear: Is The “F” word holding you back?

  • Girl Talk

    The Call For More Kindness In Relationships

  • Luxurious Living

    Luxurious Living: 500 Wellington St W, Suite 301

More from this author

  • Ask A Male Trainer

    What’s the Best Way to Slim Down?

  • Ask A Male Trainer

    How Can I Minimize Holiday Bulge?

  • Ask A Male Trainer

    Should my muscles feel like they are burning during exercise?

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Search

Subscribe & Follow

Follow @EligibleZine
Follow on Instagram
Eligible Magazine Pheed
Follow eligiblezine

Find us on Facebook

Eligible TV

Twitter: eligiblezine

  • There really is no place like home especially when our beaches are this beautiful we got together the best beaches… https://t.co/hiMFCfYUoO 04:00:23 PM July 12, 2019 from Hootsuite Inc.
  • RT @EligibleZine: As time goes, on nature takes its course. An aging parent is hard enough to handle, let alone while keeping your relation… 11:43:50 AM July 12, 2019 from Twitter for iPhone
  • Comfort is great when it comes to beds, couches and clothes but for your life it can be limiting to your best poten… https://t.co/Le9uIQq6pg 10:45:15 AM July 08, 2019 from Hootsuite Inc.

Eligible Poll

Eligible Magazine now available on iPad, iPhone and smartphone

  • Contributors

About

Eligible Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for urban men and women who want the best from their dating life, their relationships and themselves. It features articles and video content on dating, relationships, sex, wellness and lifestyle by some of the country's foremost experts. The magazine is available online, for sale on Apple's Newsstand for your iPad or iPhone and soon to be in print.

Recent Posts

  • Two Iconic Toronto Lifestyle Brands Unite

  • motionball 2022

    Motionball 2022 – Why You Should Mark Your Calendar

  • Why A Staycation Is Perfect For Your Next Date Night

  • Perfume for Women: What’s the Difference?

Contact

Contact Eligible Magazine
Work for Eligible Magazine
Advertise with Eligible Magazine
Write for Eligible Magazine
Unsubscribe
Privacy Policy

Search

© 2013 Eligible Magazine. All rights reserved.
  • Sitemap
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Copyright
  • Privacy & Cookie Policy
  • Advertising
  • Announcements
Eligible Magazine
Eligible Magazine on Apple App Store