The debate has been going on for years about the relative merits of free weights versus working out with weight machines. The truth is there's no one magic device that will give you your ideal body. Machines are helpful but no single machine is necessary for getting a great workout. You can flatten your stomach and build up your muscles without spending any money on equipment or spend a fortune on equipment and still look like a couch potato. In the end, both free weights and machines and every other form of resistance can assist you in toning your body and training for strength as long as you use good form. This is a closer look at the pros and cons of free weights and machines.
Most people who work out with weights extensively tend to prefer free weights. Obviously, they cost less than machines and require less floor space so they’re easier to use at home. More importantly, your body gets a better a workout in less time because free weights force you to use your core muscles more. Your abdominal muscles will usually be at work to keep you balanced. Any standing exercise will put some stress on your legs too. The variety of exercises is another advantage. Each set is bound to be a little different so you’re always hitting the muscle in a different way just like you do in real world activities like housework or playing ball with your kids.
On the other hand, machines aren’t all bad. Beginners may like them because they’re simpler to use until you get familiar with all the exercises you can perform with dumbbells. While nothing is foolproof, machines may also help protect you from injuries while you’re learning correct form. This makes them good for working out while you have an injury and need to keep that area stabilized. You should still be careful about using any machine too often or for too long. Overuse injuries can result because you are likely to be working the same body parts in substantially the same way over and over. It’s also important to make sure that any machine can be adjusted to suit the dimensions of your individual body, which can be a particular concern for small adults and youths.
Most people are likely to get better overall results using free weights but machines can be an effective part of your workout too. The important thing is to exercise regularly and use good form to keep yourself safe.
This article is for informational purposes and is the opinion of the author which may not be the opinion of the site that this article links to. You should seek the advice of a doctor when it comes to your personal health.
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