Machines VS Free Weights

[Okra]

Why are free weights considered more efficient for bulking up? I have been using machines as well as free weights for about 4 weeks and the results have been good. Is there any specific reason to cut out the machines? If so, is there any point in the future that would be ideal to begin using machines again?

 

[Duke Togo]

restricted rom (un natural movements)
can cause injury
free weights recruit more muscle fibres
Compound movements can only be performed with free weights

basically, the machines which are worth a sh1t are:

*Leg press (Alternative for squats)
*Calf raise machine (calf raises on block with dumbells superior)
*Lat pulldown (Pullups superior but good if you cant do pull ups)

 

[semag]

I'd disagree with the leg press and lat pulldowns. For lats, yes, pullups are superior, but the pull downs hit a bit different. For legs??? Never cut out squats, but the leg press are a good easy way to isolate those quads.. and kill them after a buncha squats.

Machines Isolate, don't use stabilizer muscles, and some are pure crap.

Free weights rock, and face it, you look more manly. So don't be a wuss, grab some real weight.