Ever since man first discovered that he could increase the size of his muscles using weights, there has always been the unresolved question: are free weights better for body building than machines?

Fitness enthusiasts who use weights swear by them and have the physiques to prove it. Machine users appear to be just as ripped, and some think that working out with free weights belongs to the bygone eras of ancient musclemen like Charles Atlas or Joe Weider.

Take two body-builders, place them side by side, and with all other factors being equal—it’s literally impossible to see the difference. Only their own trainers know for sure who trained with what. That is, unless you know what to look for.

If you’ve spent any time at all body-watching in health clubs—you’d see some tell-tale signs that are dead give-aways. Not in the body, not the physique-- in the psyche!

Free weight users tend to be more dedicated purists. Normally older, some started out with free weights long before machines came along. They are conservative by nature, tend to drive older cars, use older computers and are thought of as being well-balanced. Their modus operandi is that time-worn belief: “no pain, no gain.”

Machine users are the first on the block to have the newest electronic gadgets, are liberal thinkers, are more impatient about their training results and are constantly searching for shortcuts in their routines. They look at free-weighters as still driving Model T’s, and see themselves as space-age innovators. Though their differences can be reduced down to a study of personalities, there are actual advantages and disadvantages to using both free weights and machines.

If you’re on a tight schedule but don’t want to miss a workout—it’s a lot quicker and easier to hop on a machine and flip a knob on a weight stack than taking the time to load up a set of dumbbells. Oh, they come “ready-made” in all size weights, “no problem” you say? Well, the guy next to you always happens to be using the ones you wanted. And he’s bigger and stronger than you.

With machines, there are good exercise diagrams, so there’s no need for trainers. Unlike free weights, if you’re lifting more than you can handle, you’d better have a spotter, or you’ll wind up with that barbell as a necklace. Also, the security and safety of machines allow you to lift heavier weights, and progress at a faster rate

On the other hand, machine movements are overly simple, too basic and mostly two-dimensional—compared to the many variations possible with free weights. Because of this, machines tend to be ho-hum boring. And irritating, especially if you’re trying to fit inside a contraption that’s too small or too big for you. One size doesn’t fit all.

And by now, it’s obvious that one method won’t fit all either. There’s a time and place for both. When you don’t have the time—use a machine. If you’re not a member of a place—free weights are your best bet!

By Bruce Heath, DnC