Free Weights vs Machines- The battle!

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Title: Free Weights vs Machines- The battle!

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Author: Lynn VanDyke

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Free Weights vs Machines- The battle!

Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com

It seems like everyone has an opinion on this debate.

Which is better- free weights or machines? I asked my

trainer friends what they thought and it was pretty much

split in half. One group loved free weights and the other

loved machines.

Those that are just beginning to strength train, those that

are rehabilitating a body part, those who want to isolate a

particular muscle, and those that want to lift large

amounts of weight would be better off selecting a machine.

It is safer for your circumstances.

Here's why, free weights require users to have a base of

strength, balance and coordination. Machines provide that

balance for you. Using a machine the strength trainer can

lift a weight in a relatively safe manner. The exercise is

guided along a pre-set path that does not allow for unsafe

movements. With free weights you are left to your own

devices. Your exercise path is whatever feels best for you.

If you are setting up your own in-home gym, I would go with

a set of dumbbells. They are less expensive and take up

less space. Less is good. Buying an all-in-one machine

may be what interests you more and that's fine. Just be

sure that all of the cable lines are of strong and high

quality material. Otherwise they will wear out over time.

If you want variety in your exercise program, try free

weights. You can virtually do any exercise you want. You

can also add in fun side kicks such as a stability ball or

balance board. With machines you are limited to the one

exercise it was built to perform.

In the end, the decision is yours. I think everyone has

their own opinion on which is better because we all have

different goals and tastes. Go with what you enjoy and

prefer. Just be sure to keep your routine fresh and fun.

About the Author:

Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of

http://www.strength-training-woman.com . She is a

certified personal trainer, nutritionist and yoga

instructor.