Free Weights vs. Resistance Machines

FREE WEIGHTS

ADVANTAGES:

  • Force you to both lift and balance the weight
  • Balancing works larger, primary muscles as well as smaller, secondary muscles
  • Versatility: with one barbell you can work your entire body
  • Greater results achieved because your body has to work harder (vs. resistance machines) to perform exercises

DISADVANTAGES

  • Changing the weight has to be done manually
  • You might need a spotter while lifting the weight (as a safety precaution)
  • Harder to perform exercises with correct technique

RESISTANCE MACHINES

ADVANTAGES

  • Easy to use (which makes them ideal for beginners)
  • Changing the weight is simple: just insert the pin to the desired weight
  • Safer to use (if you’re unable to push/pull/lift the weight, it can be safely lowered to the starting position)
  • Some exercises are best done on resistance machines for they can target a specific muscle to be worked

DISADVANTAGES

  • Easier to cheat while performing exercises
  • The stronger side of your body will push/pull/lift most of the weight (might cause unbalanced muscle-development)
  • Resistance machines aren’t practical for most people to set up at home
  • Less significant results achieved (vs. free weights) since your body isn’t forced to work as hard
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