When you walk into any gym you are greeted by a selection of free weights and machines. The question is which is better for your workout? There is no doubt that machines were the number 1 way to train a number of years ago but in the past few years with the evolution of workouts such as cross training, HIIT (high intensity interval training) and other body movement type workouts free weights have become just as popular. Rather than arguing a case for either we at Urban Sports feel there is benefits to both depending on what your workout goal is. Below we look at the pros and cons for both.
Weight Machines – Pros
- Easy to learn and use
- Target specific muscle groups more effectively
- Allow you to added more weight in a safe environment keeping your form correct
- If you are coming back from an injury machines can be easier to work with
Free Weights – Pros
- Allow you to perform a full range of motion
- Regardless of what lift you are doing free weights stabilize the muscle recruiting more muscle groups
- Can train anywhere
- Less expensive
Weight Machine – Cons
- Don’t stabilize the smaller muscle groups – can cause injury because of this
- More expensive
- Don’t allow you to perform complete realistic movements – non functional
Free Weights – Cons
- If form is not correct perform free weight exercises can lead to injury
- Unable to perform heavy lifts without a partner for spotting
- Takes user longer to determine the correct weight increments
Conclusion
Coming from a GAA background I would tend to lean towards free weight workouts as it allows for more variations and compound exercises which you can relate back to the movements you would perform on the field. However when coming back from an injury using machines helps you maintain a safer form throughout your movement. Whatever your preference the equipment you use should be based around your fitness goals and what you feel best using.