Something commonly asked when people are looking to get the most out of their sessions, but which is best!?🤯
Let’s take a look at the differences 👀
Free Weights 🏋🏻♂
Provide constant resistance on the muscles through entire ROM, working in a 3 dimensional plane, unassisted movement which recruits stabilising muscles, more bang for your buck exercises (especially when training time is limited) and they allow variation ✅
Machines ⚙
Isolates the muscle, target larger muscles easier, resistance changes throughout ROM, single plane movement, great for ‘newbies’, easy to use, can go heavy without assistance, good for rehab but limited range of motion and lack of variation 🔩
As a coach I tend to ensure I incorporate both into a workout however I tend to sway more towards free weights simply due to: – More variation and muscle recruitment ✅
– Larger ROM ✅
– Working in a 3 dimensional plane with resistance on the muscle throughout entire ROM✅
Having said this machines are great for variation, rehab and good to use if your are new to the gym 💪🏻
Machine also allow you to lift heavier without assistance 💥
I hope you have found this article useful. If you have any questions regarding this topic feel from to drop me an email.
Toby
Toby Wood – MSc Strength Conditioning
toby.bodyclinic@gmail.com / @performancelab_bodyclinic