Free weights vs Machines?

[diplomatic_lies]

Just curious, I've heard a lot how free weights are better than machines, cuz they work more muscles than the machine does.

Is this true? Free weights meaning dumbells, bars, etc.

 

[Aiken_Drum]

Yes, it is true.
With the exception of row, tricep pushdown, leg press & a few others, machines are sh!t.

 

[xyzzy]

Free weights are superior because you work the tiny stabalizer muscles along with your large muscle groups. When you try to hold the weights up a lot more muscles come into play.

Machines are stable so you work only the major muscles the machine is designed for.

Personally I work freeweights first and if Im tired and still have workout time left, switch to the machines. That way when the small muscles are worn out, I can still work my major ones to the max.

So basically I go freeweights, then bars, then cables, then machines. But the meat of the workout should be freeweights.

 

[Soshyopathe]

What xyzzy said.

The only acceptable machines are cable machines since your movement is not controlled. The lat pull-downs and tri pushdown and cable flies are all cool. Leg press is cool too, but only after squats.