Oct 12, 2004

Olympic Freeweights – Which Is Better? Machines Or Weights?

Olympic freeweights are not usually the first thing you notice when you walk into a gym. When you first walk into a gym there are a few things that will immediately grab your attention: the sights, the sounds, and the smell. There, right before your very eyes, are some of the prettiest resistance machines on the market. They are big, they are shiny, and they are impressive. But over in the corner, quietly awaiting their turn, are the free weights. They are smaller, less obtrusive, but just as powerful when used correctly. Freeweights are constantly being compared with their bigger siblings, the machines. Which are better? Read this and decide for yourself.

When it comes to using a machine as opposed to an Olympic freeweight, individuals often struggle with which exercise machines to use. Unfamiliarity with the machines can cause people to misuse, or not use, some of the equipment. Since no two people are the same in structure, any machine that could cause pain, or may injure during exercise, should be eliminated.

Trial and error, along with guidance from fitness professionals, will help to determine what works for your particular goals and needs. You need to learn how to properly operate these machines so that you get the best workout possible.

Exercise Machinery Takes The “Thinking” Out Of Working Out

Some of the advantages to using an exercise machine versus a free weight include the fact that they’re easy to use, they provide a lot of variations in order to work different muscle groups, more exercises can be completed in a shorter amount of time, and there is no need to transfer weights (just pull the pin to change the stack). Each one of these advantages has their own benefits. If you’re the type of individual who doesn’t want to “think” about their workout, then machines easily solve that problem.

One of the disadvantages, however, to using the workout machines as opposed to working out with Olympic weights, is that the big machines are often too bulky and big for the average home; therefore, you would have to commit yourself to going to the gym on a regular basis. Another disadvantage is that they are more expensive than free-weights, also making them unavailable for a simple home gym.

In the fitness world, the term “freeweights” includes items such as the barbell, dumbbell, EZ curl bar, and the plate weights that slide onto them. Some of the exercises that require use of this equipment are squats, bench presses, and dead lifts. Some fitness experts believe that dumbbells are generally more advanced than machines because the user has to develop coordination and balance in order to properly lift the weights. By learning how to use free weights properly you will improve your coordination and balance and other muscles will be stimulated, leading to symmetry and overall increases in strength.

Some of the key advantages to using an Olympic free weight are that they are very inexpensive, are more versatile, they are compact, they help improve balance and co-ordination and one exercise alone can help work out several different muscle groups. One disadvantage is that you need to stop your workout to adjust the weights.

The debate between which is better, free weights or machines, has been a long- standing one in the world of fitness. Basically, it boils down to personal choice and what makes you feel better about yourself. They both do the jobs they are meant to do, when used properly. You need to decide which one best suits your needs and budget and then rest assured that you’ll achieve great results with either one.

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for body builders and sports enthusiasts. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Angela Lanci Zaurrini
http//www.a1-weight-lifting-equipment.com