bodybuilding free weightsIt almost seems like the debate between using free weights versus using machines in the gym is like an intense rivalry between professional sports teams. At any given time, a heated argument could ensue as each side argues their position. The bodybuilding purists see free weights as the only true option for building serious muscle while those who prefer machines put down the caveman like muscle heads for living in the past. There are certainly merits to each argument, but is there one clear winner in this free weight versus machine debate?

First of all, using free weights to build muscle will most certainly work your muscles more completely and efficiently. When you’re working with free weights, your stabilizing muscles, or the smaller ones surrounding the muscle group you are working, must come into play to keep the weight secure throughout the movement. This helps to build up your overall strength as well as your size as you perform each free weight movement. This is a fantastic benefit of using free weights and is one of the main arguments that proponents of free weights use when discussing the subject. In addition, because bodybuilding started with free weights, they often want to keep the sport alive as their predecessors did by using the traditional means and tools of the sport of bodybuilding.

bodybuilding machinesWhen looking at machines, however, a different thought process goes into play when speaking about the benefits of these newer and more technical pieces of workout equipment. Machines differ from free weights in that your body will follow a guided path whenever you are performing a specific exercise. Your movements are limited to those movements that the machine can make and this can largely take the efforts of your stabilizing muscles out of play. Those who favor machines say this negative is overcome by the fact that you can specialize on working each individual muscle group more specifically because of its targeted effect. For instance, when using a chest press machine, you may not be working the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder as much as if you were doing a bench press, but your pectoral muscles will receive much more direct stress as you focus on this one muscle group. In addition, they make the point that you are much less likely to be injured when working out with machines than with free weights. This is another great benefit of utilizing machines in your bodybuilding workout.

The fact is, there may not be one clear winner in this age old debate. Both free weights and machines have their merits in the gym and it is through a carefully designed bodybuilding program that includes both machines and free weights that one can build their body to their fullest potential. You may choose to work out very heavy with free weights when you’re trying to grow your muscles, but then switch to lighter weight higher rep workouts using machines when looking to build definition and give your muscles a rest. Looking for ways to incorporate each into your workout can help give you much more benefit than simply by choosing one or the other.

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