free weights or weight machines or both?

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I have a set of free weights at home, too. I use them whenever I can't make it to the gym.

BTW, have any of you tried to work out on a bicep machine with one arm only? It's almost the same thing with free weights, but the weight is heavier with one arm or leg machines with legs, etc. It works great for me.

I would suggest use neither. Use your bodyweight. Can be safer, can be done anywhere and can be just as effective and cost less or nothing. Have a look at Frank Medrano who works out using callisthenics. I used to use free weights but now have swung over to bodyweight training. Anyone else using bodyweight?

I'm a free weight junkie. I have never enjoyed the machines the way I do the olympic barbell, big tires, and other heavy and awkward objects.

I'm getting into free weights. I don't have any weight machines and I like to exercise at home.

Machines can break down if you're unlucky, which can lead to injuries.

I think it's popular opinion free weights are better.

I would also go on to say that Dumbells are usually better than Barbells.

Dumbbells are far more capable of targeting specific muscles, isolaton exercises, etc. the movements are more difficult and train the muscles better. Dumbbell bench press > Barbell.

BB is easier and doesn't target the Pecs as well in comparison to DB.

Dumbbells, machines and floor exercises. I try to hit all muscle groups with different exercises. All is good.

Both have value.

A machine is good for a quick, general workout. Free weights let you better isolate muscles and work the "supporting" muscles as you must stabilize the weight throughout the exercise movement.

For example, a squat sled is great for training your quads and buttocks for raw strength, but a freeweight squat does more for exercising ALL of you leg muscles, but you can't do anywhere near the same amount of weight.

I like to hit the machines for the main body parts then do some free weight work. If I'm tired or pressed for time, just getting the machines ensures I get a basic workout in for the day quickly.

There's also the psychological aspect to it, free-weights really force you to think about the way you're moving, they can injure you if you're not careful. Machines allow you to easily adjust the weight and worry about movement along a simpler path.

I can dial the weight up and just exert until I'm exhausted with machines. I always use lower free-weights, but I'm free to explore different motions and often work my core group better.