Free weights or machines?
A hotly contested issue in the world of bodybuilding if ever there was one.
As the tough guys duke it out on this one, I prefer to take a practical approach.
That is, the answer to this question depends largely on where you're at in
your training and what you're hoping to achieve.
Now, typically, I'm a full-on "free weight" maniac. However there
ARE a couple of instances where using machines can make a lot of sense...
Weight Machines For Beginner Bodybuilding
For complete beginners, machines are ideal. First, they're easy to use. There
are diagrams on the side that explain how the machine works. It's virtually
impossible to screw it up—which also reduces the risk of injury.
Similarly, machines are less intimidating for the first-time lifter. Fumbling around
with barbells and plates when surrounded by the no-neck "big boys" isn't
particularly appealing. (Not to mention the embarrassing sonic boom of the plates
hitting the floor as you realized for the first time that you can't have 135
lbs of one end of the bar and take the other plates off at the same time. Hey...we've
all done it!)
Eventually, however, you do want to use free weights. Machines will teach you proper
form and show you how to do different exercises. Once you've got the basics
down, it's just a matter of applying those lessons to the free weights.
Machines Work For "Old-er" Bodybuilders
Since I'm turning 40 next month, you'll recognize the "-er"
ending after "old"! ;-)
As we age, we may require more "stability" with our exercise choices
depending upon how well our body's structure is holding up...and due to limited
range of movement of machines, they CAN help avoid injury for the "over 40"
crowd.
Now, I'm not applying for nursing homes just yet. But I can tell you that
10 years of humping a rucksack through deserts, forests, jungles, and arctic wastelands
in the military has wreaked a bit of havoc with my joints.
For those of us with less stable body connections, machines can offer a way to push
more weight with less chance of injury.
Injury Rehabilitation With Weight Machines
Since machines do follow a specific path of movement and offer more stability, those
who are coming back from an injury (the word "rotator cuff" comes up
a lot in emails I receive) will be better off using machines instead of jumping
back into a free weight routine targeting the injured muscle group.
Keep the weight light and prepare your ligaments and tendons for the free weight
barrage you're salivating over!