i have recently started lifting weights to basically tone me up and give me a bit of lean size. Im not looking to become a bodybuilder as such. In my local gym we have loads of machines for the vast majority of exercises but are they just as effective as free weights as i dont wanna waste my time doing something if its not gonna benefit me.
[quote]mightycee wrote:
i have recently started lifting weights to basically tone me up and give me a bit of lean size. Im not looking to become a bodybuilder as such.[/quote]
I’m not really sure what that second part means. Generally, “tone up” means you want your muscles to be easily seen (done by having low bodyfat). Having “lean size” sounds like you want slightly bigger muscles. Losing bodyfat and adding muscle are good things. They’re nothing to be ashamed of, bro. 
Basically, machine training isn’t a “waste of time”, it’s just not the best way. Free weights will always be preferable over machines for similar exercises. A standing barbell shoulder press (or military press) will do tons more for your body than a seated machine shoulder press. Essentially, it involves more muscles, which adds up to better results.
Of course, for some movements machine are necessary (pulldowns, pushdowns, leg press, etc.), but when you’re planning your routine, try to have no more than one machine exercise for every three free weight (dumbbell or barbell) exercises.
Free weights are superior in almost every aspect, but you absolutely have to learn to do the exercises properly, watch your form, not try to cheat to move more weight etc, or might risk an injury.
When you never lifted before, doing machines for a couple of weeks won’t hurt you just to get the feeling for resistance training, but i wouldn’t consider it a necessity
These gentlemen have explained it well and I will just emphasize use free weights predominantly.
D
1 Like
You can also use cable machines. They’re considered “free weights” as well.
use free weights, works more muscle. faster and better results.
Actually, machines are a lot better. The 1973 Miami Dolphins trained exclusively with Nautilus Machines. I have no source for this lie, but I’m a big enough douche-fag to just say it.
And machines must be better because they’re the only thing I ever use. I do my bench on a smith machine, I do leg press instead of squats, and I do all my back work with machines. Sure, none of my lifts haven’t gone up more than 20 pounds in the past year and I still can’t see my abs but I really feel that the machine work I’m doing right now is helping my chin strap beard reach its full potential.
Machines are the best because they’re easy. Start your workout with them and end with them. None of the guys in my frat use free weights except for the bench press and the bicep curl. And that’s just to do maxes. So why would you ever use free weights? When you’re hung over every day and you’ve got sclerosis of the liver at age 20, you need your workouts to be as easy as possible.
[quote]FightingScott wrote:
When you’re hung over every day and you’ve got sclerosis of the liver at age 20, you need your workouts to be as easy as possible. [/quote]
Uh, FightingScott, I’m feeling you brother, but I think you mean cirrhosis of the liver. Either that or scoliosis which would be the spine. But again, I feel ya brother everyone should use machines. (Leaves the free weights open).
D
thanx for the advise and sorry about my terminology. if i thought it was gonna get picked to bits id have looked it all up first…lol
Like i said im new to this, but thanx lads it means the world to me cause theres so much conflicting advice out therei end up going round in circles.
[quote]Dedicated wrote:
FightingScott wrote:
When you’re hung over every day and you’ve got sclerosis of the liver at age 20, you need your workouts to be as easy as possible.
Uh, FightingScott, I’m feeling you brother, but I think you mean cirrhosis of the liver. Either that or scoliosis which would be the spine. But again, I feel ya brother everyone should use machines. (Leaves the free weights open).
D[/quote]
It’s actually a highly advanced disease, a fatty curved liver.
Goddamn Spellcheck. Deadlift even comes up on spellcheck at T-Nation. There. It’s in my dictionary.