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Free Weights Vs. Machine Exercises - Part 3

Posted on Dec 23, 2008 by Andrew in General Health & Fitness .

We’ve taken a look at the advantages of free weights and machine exercises as well as the disadvantages. So what’s the verdict? With all different levels of fitness, how is one supposed to know which one is best for them? Well guess what… I’m gonna suggest that you utilize both. It will not only help you reach a functional fitness level as well as the physique that you are looking for, but also provide you with more exercises to keep you from getting bored! If you’re trying to look like a bodybuilder, I’ll try and address in a later post if you’d like!

Free Weights and Machine Exercises Compliment Each Others Disadvantages

You’ve seen that both exercises have their own distinct disadvantages. But let’s try and understand WHY these two together compliment each other so nicely. Free weights have limitations because of gravity, making the movement vary depending on what part of the lift you are engaged in. Machine weights address that by providing a constant force throughout the movement. Machine weights don’t tend to work your stabilizer muscles as much due to the rigidity of the movements. Free weights address that by providing a compound movement which engages your stabilizers. Problem solved!

I always have to put myself in check because I’m the type of person who finds something I like and then I put blinders on when it comes to other options. But that’s the point, you always have options when it comes to building a strong, good looking physique. Take this clip from Rocky IV for example (I know it’s fiction, but if you trained either way, you would be diesel!)

Rocky trains with bags of rocks and tree trunks while Ivan Drago trains with state of the art (at the time!) machines. They both end up with a physique that would land them square on the cover of any Fitness Magazine! So why did Rocky win? Because he simply wanted it more. It’s called the will to win.

So if you want either a toned or a muscular physique while still maintaining good health practices, you’re going to get it if you want it bad enough (if it’s coupled with a good sound diet cause that’s most important). Just make whatever exercise you’re doing challenging!

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Tags: disadvantages of free weights, fitness, free weights, free weights vs. machine exercises, health, Nutrition, what's better free weights or machines?