2 Benefits of Free Weights Fitness

Posted by Paul on December 19th, 2009 at 04:26pm

It is an age old topic of conversation at gyms all around the world: are free weights better than machine weights?
People have been lifting heavy objects for fitness for centuries, but it is only comparatively recently that we have been given the ‘luxury’ of gym equipment that makes it a little easier for anyone to get into weight lifting. But don’t be fooled: these machines can be set up to be just as difficult as free weights, if not more so. But hardcore gym enthusiasts will always tout the benefits of free weights fitness over weights machines. Let’s look at why this is so.

1. No Help
Weights machines will always provide some assistance to you when working out, usually in the form of getting back into position after a rep. With free weights this does not occur so your muscles must complete both cycles of each repetition fully. In short, free weights engage your muscles in full. You will achieve natural movement patterns with free weights and you will also have to balance solely on your own.

2. Versatility
Gym machines generally have one purpose and one purpose only; that is the exercise they were designed to accommodate. But if you pick up a pair of dumbbells there are literally dozens of exercises you can accomplish. This versatility has made dumbbells and barbells common home gym accessories. They are also much cheaper (and smaller) than your average weights machine.

These 2 main benefits of free weights fitness are why serious bodybuilders rarely use machines. There are also some benefits to machines, such as forcing you to use good form in order to complete the exercise, but you can achieve this with free weights with practice and continued strength training.

So when should you use machine weights instead of free weights?
People who are suffering from injury or have balance problems can benefit from machine weights. Starting slowly on machines and then working your way to light free weights is an ideal plan.

I highly recommend you incorporate free weight training into your routine to find out what difference it makes to your body.

Tags: Dumbbell, fitness, free weights fitness, Gym, Health, Muscle, Weight, Weight training, Weightlifting

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