Free Weights Vs Machines - The Battle!

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.

Copyright 2005 strength-training-woman.com

Lynn VanDyke is the proud owner of http://www.strength-training-woman.com. She is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and yoga instructor.

---

Google News Updated : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:08:20 GMT German shares up midday as financials rebound - Forbes ABC News German shares up midday as financials rebound Forbes - 1 hour ago FRANKFURT (Thomson Financial) - German shares were higher midday, led by financials, which rebounded from Tuesday's strong losses, and helped by soothing words from US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and easing oil prices. Fed ready to aid investment banks BBC News Fed Sees Turmoil Persisting Deep Into Next Year New York Times International Herald Tribune - Reuters - Financial Times - CNNMoney.com all 1,484 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:46:08 GMT Polygamist sect leader swaps jail for hospital - MSNBC KVAL Polygamist sect leader swaps jail for hospital MSNBC - 2 hours ago Warren Jeffs, the head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has been hospitalized. Douglas C. Pizac / Pool via Getty Images FILE July 2: Michael Sean Winters, author of "Left at the Altar," joins the "Morning Joe" crew to ... Jeffs was taken to the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las ... CNN Warren Jeffs Remains In Local Hospital KXNT Salt Lake Tribune - The Associated Press - Deseret News - Las Vegas Review - Journal all 309 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:48:40 GMT Coalition to lobby for US health-care reform - Reuters KULR-TV Coalition to lobby for US health-care reform Reuters - 17 hours ago WASHINGTON, July 8 (Reuters) - A coalition of unions, think tanks and other groups launched an advertising campaign on Tuesday saying they want to ensure that health-care reform tops the US political agenda after the November elections. Coalition begins universal health care campaign Great Falls Tribune Coalition launches push for health care reform Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Rapid City Journal - Tampa Tribune - Beyond Chron - Washington Post all 291 news articles Publ.Date : Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:09:32 GMT Google adds third dimension to online social relationships - NetworkWorld.com Siliconrepublic.com Google adds third dimension to online social relationships NetworkWorld.com - 2 hours ago By Mikael Ricknäs , IDG News Service , 07/09/2008 Google has entered yet another space with the launch of Lively, a tool for creating 3D social spaces on Web sites, which is now available in a public beta test. Virtual world tipping point: Is there an enterprise use? ZDNet Google Introduces a Cartoonlike Method for Talking in Chat Rooms New York Times Reuters - The Tech Herald - eFluxMedia - Wall Street Journal all 263 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:04:08 GMT US MBA's Mortgage Applications Index Increased 7.5% Last Week - Bloomberg 100 Mortgages US MBA's Mortgage Applications Index Increased 7.5% Last Week Bloomberg - 1 hour ago By Shobhana Chandra July 9 (Bloomberg) -- Mortgage applications in the US rose for a second straight week, a sign that falling home prices are attracting some buyers. Mortgage applications up 7.5% last week: MBA MarketWatch US mortgage applications increased last week-MBA Reuters CNN - Forbes - RTT News - 100 Mortgages all 15 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:38:08 GMT G-8 Conference Tackles Global Warming Treaty - Washington Post BBC News G-8 Conference Tackles Global Warming Treaty Washington Post - 1 hour ago By Michael Abramowitz RUSUTSU, Japan, July 9-- The leaders of the countries most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions pledged Wednesday a shared effort to combat global warming, but developing countries like China and India continued to balk at the ... Bush: 'Significant progress' on climate change The Associated Press Emerging Nations Join G-8 on Climate New York Times Aljazeera.net - CNN International - Bloomberg - Telegraph.co.uk all 2,035 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:20:59 GMT Iraq Wants Withdrawal Timetable In US Pact - Washington Post ABC News Iraq Wants Withdrawal Timetable In US Pact Washington Post - 8 hours ago By Ernesto Londoño and Dan Eggen BAGHDAD, July 8 -- Iraq's national security adviser said Tuesday that his government would not sign an agreement governing the future role of US troops in Iraq unless it includes a timetable for their withdrawal. Maliki's Withdrawal Card Wall Street Journal Iraqi Officials Still Insisting on Timetable to Withdraw New York Times istockAnalyst.com - AFP - CNN - Xinhua all 1,578 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:41:08 GMT Automatic Blogging RSS Software

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

What To Do Before Buying A Treadmill

Considering buying a treadmill? There are several factors to consider... Read More

Home Treadmill Review: Things To Watch Out Before Buying A Treadmill

Treadmills are known to be the most popular and most... Read More

What?s So Great About A Trampoline?

Looking for a fun way to exercise and stay healthy?... Read More

Getting Fit With A Smooth Treadmill

Treadmills are one of the most popular fitness machines available... Read More

Wholesale Room Humidifier

Room HumidifierA room humidifier can help raise the level of... Read More

Machines vs Free Weights

I am often asked, what is the best machine for... Read More

Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment

Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These... Read More

Finding The Best Home Gyms - Which Is Right For You?

There are many brands and styles of home gyms available... Read More

Home Is Where the Gym Is - Tips For Setting Up Your Home Gym

Tips For Setting Up Your Home GymCall them fitness centers,... Read More

Treadmill Weight Loss - 5 Ways A Treadmill Helps You Lose Weight

So why are treadmills STILL the #1 home exercise machines... Read More

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a... Read More

Types of Exercise Equipment

Depending on the kind of exercise you want to do,... Read More

Spare A Thought For Redundant Exercise Machines

I have an exercise machine that I've used once. Did... Read More

Landice Treadmills - A Quick Review of the Landice Treadmill

If you're looking to buy a high end home treadmill... Read More

Can Home Fitness Get Better Results Faster Than A Gym?

Deciding on a home fitness regime is one that will... Read More

How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer that Suits Your Needs

When choosing an elliptical trainer, you'll want to consider a... Read More

Cycling Your Way To Fitness - Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall Fitness

Stationary Exercise Bikes - Still A Top Choice For Overall... Read More

Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills

You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are... Read More

Pro-Form 765i Interactive Trainer Treadmill

For under $1000 you can purchase the Pro-Form 765i interactive... Read More

Used Treadmills, An Alternative For The Budget Conscious Treadmill Buyer

In the market for a treadmill? Finding that they are... Read More

So, You?re Looking For Discount Treadmills. Decision Time.

A treadmill, although one of the best pieces of indoor... Read More

What Is A Heart Treadmill?

A heart treadmill, used by physicians to determine their patients'... Read More

?So You Want To Build A Home Gym?

I walked into the commercial gym yesterday after a long... Read More

Electric Scooter Wholesale ? Passport For Freedom

Electric scooters wholesaleAllowing for unprecedented mobility for the disabled and... Read More

Tanita Body Fat Monitors

An ordinary scale can tell you your weight, but what... Read More