Free Weights VS. Machines: Which Best Allows for Proper Form?

The gym is a daunting place. If you are new to working out, or if you have been going to the gym for a while but have been too intimidated to try out new machines or exercises, then you understand this statement. There is definitely a direct correlation between where you are in the country and the intimidation factor of a gym. If you are in Atlanta, you can expect a fairly high intimidation factor. Daytona Beach, not so much.

I have found that the greatest defense to intimidation is knowledge. I read every health, fitness, and weight-loss article that I can get my hands on. You have to take all this information with a grain of salt, but the more I read, the better I feel about myself and the gym. Of course, with a 10-month baby at home I stopped going to the gym, but I did make a small but serviceable home gym that I try to use (try being the operative word) as much as possible.

The purpose of this article is to discuss which is better from a form perspective: free weights or machines. Free weights, for all intensive purposes, are dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates. You are completely in control of the motion of the exercise when you use free weights, and can do multiple exercises with one set of dumbbells.

Machines, on the other hand, are designed to mimic the exercise you do with free weights but with greater control as to form. Machines allow you to change your weight load fairly easily, usually with just movement of a pin or push of a button.

You know I don't like suspense, so let me tell you right now, I am a pro-free weights gal. This statement comes with quite a few caveats.