4/27    In workouts, why are free weights better than machines even if I'm
        using the same weight?
        \_ More muscle groups are brought into play controlling the weights,
           and you have MUCH more control which muscles get worked.  With
           machines, since the movement is completely static, you have to get
           really creative to hit some of the more obscure muscles.  Also,
           if you're a muscle-bound moose, you can generally get higher
           weights on free weights, whereas most machines run out at around
           250-300 pounds.  -mice
        \_ Because free weights give you the widest range of motion possible;
           that you are not limited only by the mechanics of the machines.
           Which is why folks using free weights are more prone to injury, if
           they're not careful in picking the correct weight. They often
           forget to take into account gravity, free weights going anywhere
           they please while in your hands, etc. Most novice are encouraged
           to start with machines first beore graduating into free weights
           starting out light. - jthoms
           \_ But don't machines offer more variations in resistsnce?
              Resistance from free weights only goes one direction (downward)
              and is constant.  Resistance from a machine can follow
              a curved path like on a chest machine which you bring two handles
              from left and right together at the front.  And the amount of
              resistance can vary according to the shape of the pulley guiding
              the wires, e.g. eclipse shape.  I'm new to weight training BTW.
              resistance can vary along the path according to the shape of the
              pulleys guiding the wires, e.g. eclipse shape.  I'm new to weight
              training BTW.
                \_ You're correct that machines offer more var. in resistance.
                   I personally use both machines and free weights as I am
                   slowly graduating to free weights myself. What people
                   mean by free weights are "better" is because not only they
                   bulk up your muscles, but also they train your muscles to
                   be more alert and flexible. Free weights are closer to
                   everyday application than machines. I don't know the exact
                   scientific expl. but that's the closest I can think of.
                   Also, what avid gym-freaks usually do is use free weights
                   to "puff up"/sculpt their muscles with slow repetitions on
                   one day and use the machines to define/tone their newly
                   build muscles with fast repetitions. Those men with ripped
                   muscles can't get what they have by using machines alone.
                   But if you're just doing weights to tone yourself, machines
                   should do the trick. Have a great workout. - jthoms
                   \_ So do you mean machines alone can't bulk up my muscles?
                      Gee, I think I've wasted all that time I spent on those
                      machines.
                \_ I have seen some very big people who use only machines, so
                   those men with ripped muscles _can_ get what they have with
                   just machines.  Machines and LOTS of steroids...
                   That said, a good reason to use free weights is to work
                   all of the little stabilizer muscles that aren't used as
                   much with machines.  Another is that machines usually
                   add friction to the exercise, usually making the positive
                   (contracting) part harder and the negative part easier,
                   which is the opposite of what you want.  There are many
                   other reasons that you can come up with (free weights
                   allow you to cheat a little more, for example), but I think
                   it's mostly a matter of personal preference
        \_ I'd go with free weights. I was using this bench press machine
           (like a standard bench press machine except with a harness), but
           never really gained any strength (ie, never moved up in resistence).
           Then I switched to dumbbells. I've increased the weights I can do by
           20 pounds (each arm) in just over a month, exceeding what I could
           do on the machine.
           \_ I agree with the recommendation.  I don't think that machines
              prevent you from getting stronger, but I think that it's easier
              to push yourself with free weights.  However, I think that the
              comparison above is faulty.  There is not a simple linear
              relationship between the weight you can use on a machine and
              what you can use with free weights.  Also, when you switch
              exercises (from machine to dumbells) you tend to gain strength
              more quickly than normal as your body and mind adjust to the
              new exercise.