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There is a big debate about whether to use free weights or machines. In short, free weights involve more motor unit involvement. Motor units are are combination of nerves, muscle fibers and soft tissue that are connected physically to and activated electrically to the spine.
Machines don't usually require any balancing such as when doing a free weight bench press.
Machines tend to be safer because if you let go, there is probably nothing that will drop on you and injury you like a barbell will (if, for instance, a barbell slips when doing a bench press).
good luck to you in whatever you choose, one or the other or both.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoFree weights use stabilizing muscles whereby more muscles are used in each exercise ,which is good. Machines may make you can lift more but are a fixed movement which makes it much easier and doesn't work the muscles as well as free weights.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThere are a few differences but the biggest is machines are safer and you don't have to worry about the weights falling off and hurting yourself.
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Are bench pressing machines as effective as free-weights?
This depends on which muscles you are trying to develop, but usually, machines are actually more effective than free weights.
When you go to the gym what exercise equipment do you use?
I prefer free weights. Free weights give a superior workout because, unlike machines, free weights require you to use the many stabilizer muscles in your body that do not get worked with machines.
Are Gazelle exercise machines like free weights?
No. Free weights are weights that you can either add to a bar, or lift by not using a machine. Gazelle exercise machines are more designed for cardio. Gazelle exercise machines have been reviewed as 'not exactly worth it' and 'better off buying a treadmill'. Free weights are more for strength, and can build arm and leg muscle quickly if used properly.
What are the differences between free weights and exercise machines?
Using machines provides more structure when working out while free weights provide more function. There are more exercises that can be done while using free weights that cannot be done with the machines. You can do dead lifts or squat-to-overhead press lifts while using free weights that cannot be done while using a machine thus working out more muscles overall.
Which weight machines is best for a begginer?
A good start would be free weights, dumbbells, ez curl bar, leg press machine.
Can lifting free weights and machines stunt your growth?
No, it's just a myth.
What store has the best selection of free weights ?
I think that sports authority has the best selections of free weights you can buy.
What is the best fitness machine?
Yes, there is a large selection of exercise equipment and machines available. What is best for you depends upon your budget and your personal health and fitness goals. Exercise products include free weights, weight machines, bikes, treadmills, rowing machines and more.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of free weights compared to stacks?
Free weights works all of your muscles, but are very bulky and heavy to keep around.
What are some of the best and most compact home workout equipment?
Free weights or all in one machines are the best. Just anything that is compact and fit in the space you have will work depending on what you want to exercise for.
The following statements describes an advantage that free weights have over weight machines?
Free weights are cheaper, let you work out anywhere and can allow for a wide variety of toning and muscle-building exercises.
Is free weight equipment usually inferior to new equipment?
NO. A weight is a weight. If you use a free weight properly it will give you the desired results. Remember long before there was all these fancy workout machines, people used free weights to excersise. The machines are great for sculpting and targeting but still, the same things can be done with free weights.
