free weights vs machines

bludevil · 06-04-2003, 09:44 AM

I used to work out with free weights but I switched jobs and my new company has a fitness center. The good news is I can use it for free, but the bad news is they only have cybex machinery. They have no free weights besides dumbells. My question is how much of a difference should I see from free weights and machines.
ie... If I can bench 300lbs with free weights, should I see an incline/decline in the amount I could bench on machines or is it basically the same.

Ralphie · 06-04-2003, 10:25 AM

You should be able to do more on machines. At least for thats how it is, I think generally that is the truth for everyone though.

**Prince** · 06-04-2003, 11:44 AM

the problem is that machines do not strengthen synergistic muscles, e.g. rotator cuffs, and for the most part are inferior; also machines tend to force the body into unnatural movements. personally I think that training with machines can be more dangerous than free weights, providing that you know what your doing.
I have hurt my back and knees using leg press machines several times (different models too), I have never hurt my back or knees performing squats.

**Mudge** · 06-04-2003, 01:07 PM

To me many machines feel very un-natural, like Prince said. Machines I use are seated calf, sometimes a Scott Bench (preacher, etc), and almost always for incline bench and overhead barbell front press. I also sometimes use the back machines (if the cable row is a "machine" which it is, that one I use very often).

MeanCuts · 06-04-2003, 05:00 PM

You should normally be able to lift more on machines than free weights

06-04-2003, 09:44 AM	#1
bludevil To God be the Glory Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: WeightRoom Posts: 1,567 Photos: 25	free weights vs machines BODYBUILDING SUPPLEMENTS High Quality Supplements For Bodybuilders and Athletes. www.ironmaglabs.com I used to work out with free weights but I switched jobs and my new company has a fitness center. The good news is I can use it for free, but the bad news is they only have cybex machinery. They have no free weights besides dumbells. My question is how much of a difference should I see from free weights and machines. ie... If I can bench 300lbs with free weights, should I see an incline/decline in the amount I could bench on machines or is it basically the same.

06-04-2003, 11:44 AM	#3
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,295 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 313	the problem is that machines do not strengthen synergistic muscles, e.g. rotator cuffs, and for the most part are inferior; also machines tend to force the body into unnatural movements. personally I think that training with machines can be more dangerous than free weights, providing that you know what your doing. I have hurt my back and knees using leg press machines several times (different models too), I have never hurt my back or knees performing squats.
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06-04-2003, 01:07 PM	#4
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 22,966 Photos: 1	To me many machines feel very un-natural, like Prince said. Machines I use are seated calf, sometimes a Scott Bench (preacher, etc), and almost always for incline bench and overhead barbell front press. I also sometimes use the back machines (if the cable row is a "machine" which it is, that one I use very often).
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

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06-04-2003, 10:25 AM	#2
Ralphie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Houston,TX U.S. Posts: 83	You should be able to do more on machines. At least for thats how it is, I think generally that is the truth for everyone though.

06-04-2003, 05:00 PM	#5
MeanCuts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 473	You should normally be able to lift more on machines than free weights