Create Account / Log In

6 Advantages of Free Weights Over Exercise Machines

Meet Sarah.

About a year ago, Sarah saw an infomercial about a "multi-unit" workout machine. The announcer called it a "revolutionary" piece of equipment, claiming that people would see results in "just 2-4 weeks". It exercised all major body parts and the female model shown using the machine said it "was safer and more effective than free weights."

Intimidated by gyms her whole life, Sarah knew having her own home gym would be the key to her finally getting into shape. She had heard that machines were safer than free weights. Besides, the machine came with "easy to follow video instructions". The price was steep, but as Sarah imagined changing her body, she got her credit called and grabbed the phone.

On the day of delivery, Sarah was surprised to see it took up twice the space she was told it would, limiting space in her already cramped den. Excited to get started, she popped in the video, and hopped on the machine. Sarah soon found that she, at 5'3", was too small to fit on the machine for some of the exercises. She continued on anyway, trying to ignore the fact that her lower back and knees were starting to hurt a little.

Sarah used her new revolutionary machine exactly three more times. For the last six months, it has been her unofficial clothes hanger.

What happened? Sarah thought she was buying a machine that would be very easy to operate and be a safe alternative to free-weights. Unfortunately, Sarah and many others are misguided by heavily marketed hype by machine developers. When it comes to effectiveness, particularly for the beginning exerciser, free-weights (i.e., dumbbells) rate much higher than expensive machines in terms of:

1. Cost. Three or four sets of dumbbells would have cost Sarah less than 10 times the amount she spent on her machine. As she gets stronger, she would have to buy more, though even a full set would not set her back nearly as much as the machine did.

2. Space. Dumbbells take up far less space than most of the exercise equipment sold on infomercials. You can easily place them in a closet, out of sight under the bed, or in a corner. There are even dumbbells you can adjust (i.e., PowerBlock) that allow you to adjust the poundage on one set, eliminating the need for single-poundage dumbbells.

3. Variety. Most machines are designed as one-dimensional. Even the most extensive multi-unit machines will allow exercisers to perform only a limited number of movements in a restricted range of motion. Free-weights can be used in ranges of motion based on the exerciser, not a machine. Use free weights along with benches or Swiss Balls and you have multitude of exercise options.

4. Suitability. Sarah couldn't use her "multi-usage" machine for certain exercises because the machine was too big. This is not an uncommon problem. Even though most machines have adjustable seats, arm pads, and lever arms, there are limitations to their range and some may not fit the very small or very large person. However, if you can grab a dumbbell, you can use it.

5. Functionality. Exercising with free-weights increases the likelihood that the effects of the exercise will cross over into real-world situations. Think about it. How often during the day do you lie in a diagonal supine position and push weight up like you would on a machine leg press? Probably never. But how often are you required to do activities that are biomechanically identical to the squat? Sitting, getting in and out of a car, crouching down to pick something up?all the time! Properly using free weights will increase the functionality of an exercise to real-world situations.

6. Safety. It seems counterintuitive to consider free-weights as safer than machines. Most of us have heard (somewhere..) that we could get hurt with dumbbells and that machines were "safer." Maybe just the idea of someone doing a huge bench press lends itself to imagining the likelihood that one might lose control of the same amount of weight if they ever attempted it.

Safety during exercise is more about proper form, technique, concentration and control rather than exercise apparatus. Someone can get hurt on a machine just as easily as with a dumbbell if incorrect form is used. As always, if you don't know how to do something, find someone (i.e., a reputable trainer) to show you how.

Safety as a result of exercise is a long-term issue. It is not necessary for the body to stabilize itself or the weight during movements on most machines, because the weight apparatus is fixed. Key stabilizer muscles are then never given the chance to get stronger. Free-weights allow the exerciser to utilize core muscles and allow multi-plane movement that forces the exerciser to strengthen stabilizer musculature, which support joints. Over the long-term, free weights are superior to machines for building a stronger, more functional body.

You don't need to spend a fortune on a piece of exercise equipment that you'll never end up using and won't suit your needs. A few sets of dumbbells are effective, intelligent alternatives to buying equipment, especially for those setting up their own in-home gym or workout area.

About The Author

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a personal fitness trainer and instructor in Chicago specializing in in-home and in-office fitness training. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com.

jongestl@jongestl.com

Cybex Named the Preferred Fitness Equipment Supplier to Troon Golf MarketWatch (press release) Led by the Cybex Institute for Exercise Science, CYBEX fitness equipment is engineered to produce optimal results for users from the first-time exerciser to ... Cybex Named the Preferred Fitness Equipment Supplier to Troon GolfSunHerald.com all 13 news articles »

A chance to see the hardware Pittsburgh Post Gazette (blog) ... workplaces can vie for a chance to win fitness equipment and players visits, as per the promotion below dreamed up by the marketing execs on Park Ave. ... and more »

Rosh Hashanah services at Staten Island synagogues SILive.com The bus - outfitted with games, fitness equipment and activities for children ages 4 to 11 - will be on-site from 11 am to noon. ... and more »

Nautilus sells debt; shares gain 8% MarketWatch ... maker of Bowflex and StairMaster fitness equipment raised $5 million from a debt sale to its largest shareholder, Sherborne Investors GP, LLC. ... and more »

Small Business Reaction KWQC 6 The company makes fitness equipment, selling to high schools, major college, and professional athletic teams. The company would like to invest in some new ...

Saranac Lake Adult Center director retires The Adirondack Daily Enterprise Part of the building's basement has been converted into a wellness center with fitness equipment, the other half is being made into offices for Franklin ...

The Warranty that Pays off PR Web (press release) An extended warranty program for fitness equipment that is both revolutionary and affordable. Unlike extended warranties on other products, it is generally ...

Temporary Eastburn fitness centre opens Burnaby Newsleader At more than 2000 square feet, the interim facility will feature an expanded weight room and fitness equipment used by athletes during the 2010 Winter ... and more »

Toy and Fitness Equipment Manufacturer Bounces Back Chem.Info By Eastman Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Kingsport, Tenn Aug. 24, 2010 In 2004, James Braeunig and a team of local investors purchased Ball Bounce and Sport Inc. ...

Treadmill Doctor Now Offers ''THE WARRANTY THAT PAYS OFF'' VEE 2 Treadmill Doctor is now providing an extended warranty program for fitness equipment that is both revolutionary and affordable. ...