Advantages and disadvantages of machine and free weight
Training on the machine as well as with free weights can have advantages and disadvantages. It is time to take a closer look at them.
Advantages and disadvantages of the machine
Machines are well suited for training by beginners, especially since the most effective exercises can even be carried out on their own because they are explained graphically on the machines. If you have a trainer, you can instruct them to put together a training session. The following advantages should also be mentioned:
- individual muscle groups can be trained in isolation
- Muscle building with higher weight possible
- usable for older people
- good after injuries and for rehabilitation
But not everything that glitters is gold, and so there are some disadvantages that can be mentioned in machines:
- less functionality and no natural movement patterns possible
- Neglect of the stabilizing muscles
- higher risk of injury
- very popular in the gym and therefore often occupied
Training on the machine is equally suitable for beginners and bodybuilders, because the growth incentives for the muscles are very good. However, there is a risk that neglecting the muscles that support the joints will result in poor posture and long-term injuries. Therefore, always supplement the training on the machine with the free weight training!
Advantages and disadvantages of free weights
Free weights are still very popular and can offer the following advantages, for example:
- functional training possible
- full freedom of movement and natural movements possible
- Training the stabilizing muscles
- varied training possible
- Training also possible at home
- Cost-effective training because a gym is not absolutely necessary
But the free weights also have their disadvantages:
- more demanding training, based on technology (coaching required)
- Risk of injury due to incorrect technology increases
- Support with heavy weights makes sense
Free weights are suitable for all athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want a slim and defined body and no inflated muscles. Runners and athletes also benefit from training with free weights. Free weights are also used in the context of rehabilitation, because they enable targeted and effective training.
In the end, everyone has to try out whether one variant is better than the other.
Especially since the training should also be fun! Those who torment themselves with one variant, although the other would be more fun, orientate themselves past the training goal. Therefore, coaches generally recommend betting on the mixture. Train with both the machine and free weights. With the latter, you can consciously stress and promote the muscles that were neglected by training with the machine and which are very important as stabilizing muscles. The good thing about dumbbells: You can even take them with you when you go jogging. You simply combine the strength training with the endurance training and ensure a significantly better effect.
You don't have to work out in a gym to get a slim, defined body.
But what you need is a good guide, which you will also get from a personal trainer. However, if he is not running his own gym, he cannot offer you machine training. You may also choose this and find yourself in the studio. Or you can completely replace the machine training with a varied training with free weights of various types.
Tip: The training will also be particularly cost-effective for you if you receive the fitness subscription for free.
Here's how to do it!
