|
Its finally time for you to get into shape, you're either
new to strength training, or it's been some time since you've
been in the gym. It's easy to just sit down in a comfortable
machine, but are you getting the best workout for the time
you can devote to your fitness? Here are some pros and cons
about using free weights versus exercise machines.
The Benefits of Using Free Weights
When your using free weights your really getting more bang
for your buck. There are so many more exercises that you can
do with free weights, at home or at the gym, than with big,
expensive machines.
When using free weights there are no range of motion inhibitors
like with most exercise machines. You can adjust each exercise
to your body. Another great benefit with free weight is that
you can really enhance your motor skills. When using free
weights their are more demands made on your muscles to stabilize
and balance your body and the weight, giving you a more complete
workout.
You can exercise anywhere. Once you get accustomed to free
weights, you can go into any gym and feel comfortable. Plus,
you can design your own home gym easily and inexpensively.
When it really comes down to it if you want to get big you
need to train on free weights. Take a look around the gym
the next time you go and see what all the big guys use, with
out a doubt all their excersices are with free weights.
The Negatives of Using Free Weights
You'll need to get advice to help you get the right workout
program design. Hiring a trainer or researching the best exercises
for you must come first. It is also extremely important to
use proper form, again hiring a trainer will get you started
right, before you get into any bad habits.
Your chances of getting injured are also increased when you’re
using free weights. If you don't know what you're doing, free
weights can hurt you faster than it will make you fit.
You'll need a lifting partner if you plan on pumping heavy
iron. Get a partner or trainer to help check your form; it's
easy to get sloppy, even when you know what your doing. For
example, don't try a heavy weight in the squat or bench press
without a "spotter". Make sure that you can control
the weight and do the exercise in perfect position.
The Benefits of Using Exercise Machines
If you're low on time, using machines can be an efficient
way to get in a workout. Putting a pin into the weight stack
is quicker than loading up a barbell, plus the arrangement
of machines in a gym facilitates changing exercises efficiently.
If you're new to the gym, and without a trainer, machines
are a safe way to go. Most machines have diagrams to help
you with proper lifting form. If you have injuries, machines
will help stabilize your body. With the extra support, you
can focus on healthy muscles, and give the injuries time to
heal. If you want to lift heavy weights without assistance,
machines will help. The security of the machine allows you
to lift more, without fear of dropping weights.
If you want to train one specific muscle group, machines aid
in focus. It is difficult to do certain exercises (like a
leg curl) with free weights, and a machine will hone right
in on your desired goal.
The Negatives of Using Exercise Machines
Machines let you cruise through an exercise without bringing
in stabilizing muscles. You don't get true strength that relates
to the movement in your daily life.
Another negative with machines is that they don’t always
fit your body. If you are very small or very tall, the machines
may not fit your size, and the exercise won't be mechanically
efficient, leading to frustration or injury. Also most exercise
machine don’t give you much flexibility or variation.
Most machines create a forced or guided two-dimensional movement
pattern, so you are limited in how your muscles develop.
If you have been training on machines for a while you will
come to realize that machines get boring! The same old same
old; not only do your muscles get bored, so does your brain.
Loss of motivation can lead you to dropping out of your fitness
program.
Another problem with using machines are that they get filled
quickly if the gym is busy. Your time is valuable so standing
around waiting for someone to get off the machine is a hassle
and a turn-off when you want to get into shape.
Related Articles
14 Best Barbell Exercises
Best Chest Exercises
Bodybuilding For
Beginners
| Popular Products! |
MuscleTech
Pump-Tech
Training hard is all about getting the pump.
You're cranking out the reps, the blood is flowing |
|
Dymatize
Z-Force
Z-Force is a special blend of minerals designed
for high anabolic support. Z-FORCE...
|
|
SAN
Bolt
With so much focus on weight training these days,
putting... |
|
