Machines vs Freeweights vs Both

[footballmaniac]

I've been using freeweights most of the time I've been weightlifting and I've played around with machines every now and then. I heard from a friend that machines will help build more mass. Is there any truth in that? Thanks.

 

[Cold Iron]

incorrect.

 

[cider303]

to my knowledge... free weights stimulate stabolizing muscles better than machines(constricted movement)... in my logic... the more muscles you stimulate the more growth you stimulate... (unless to an overtrained state) so in my opinion... free weights is the way to go

 

[soxmuscle]

There is no truth in that whatsoever. I only use the lat pull down, the leg extension, and the calf raise as my machine excercises.

 

[Tough Old Man]

My routines probably consist of 75% free weight and 25% to cable work.

 

[CowPimp]

I think most any competent training program will be centered around free-weight exercises. However, machines are a good way to supplement these free-weight exercises with additional lifts to allow movement on planes that are difficult to achieve with freeweights when targeting certain muscles, and to add some variety to the workout.

 

[Seanp156]

I used to use machines a lot when I was overtraining.... Now I pretty much only use them for calf raises, leg press, leg curls, and leg extensions.

 

[Mudge]

Dorian would start using machines when injuries were a problem because accessory muscle requirements were reduced making the lifts 'safer' to perform, otherwise he was a free weight guy. I like free weights for most everything, some machines I do happen to like; leg presses, hammer strength high pulls, etc

 

[BoneCrusher]

I like doing crunches on a machine for all the extra weight I can add. I like the wieghted dip machine too.

Pull downs are good although I've a torn RC from over doing it on one 6 years ago. Not too happy about that but I work through and around it and still like using the machine.