There's often confusion when it comes to lifting weights, particularly when
it comes down to choosing your equipment. Ask around and you'll find some people
who say free weights rock because you get more range of motion and you work
multiple muscle groups. Others are emotionally attached to machines because
they offer a safer way to handle weights. You can lift heavy without worrying
about dropping a giant weight on your head. So, who's right?
Here's a thought: the only thing you have to worry about is challenging your
muscles with resistance. Think about it.
Think your biceps muscle knows the difference between a dumbbell and a resistance
band? Of course not. Sure, you can feel the difference, but your bicep is working
regardless of what you've got in your hand.
When choosing your resistance, it's really going to come down to a few simple
points:
If you're a beginner: stick with machines at first. They're less confusing
and you'll get to build some muscle without totally killing yourself.
If you're in a hurry: again, go with machines. Workouts are generally more
time-efficient when machines are used. The resistance on machines can be set
by simply moving a selector pin rather than by fiddling around changing plates.
If you're working out at home, forget machines. You'll never be able to afford
them and why should you bother? Free weights (dumbbells, barbells, etc.) can
give you a great workout, as long as they're heavy enough and you're lifting
them the right way.
If you're rehabbing an injury: again, machines are the ticket. Using them
is the gentlest way to introduce your ailing limb, muscle or tendon to weight
training again.
It may seem, from this list, that machines come out ahead of free weights but
wait! There's more! If you're trying to get the most out of each workout in
the fastest possible time, stick with free weights. It's a great way to incorporate
more muscle groups (machines usually target one muscle group) and free weights
fit everyone, not always true of machines if you're particularly tall or short.
Bottom line? Just lift something, dude!
