The Pros and Cons of Weight Machines

Weight machines can be a good choice, especially if you're just getting started with strength training.

In fact, many beginners start out using machines because:

• They're supportive. Most machines provide support, which is great for people who need help when learning new exercises. It can also be good for people rehabbing injuries or those who want to lift heavy weights without a spotter.
• They're easy to use. Because most machines work on a fixed path and have instructions and diagrams posted, it's easier to use good form.
• They save time. It usually doesn't take as much time to change weights on machines as it would for many free weight exercises.
• They're less intimidating. Trying to figure out what to do with a bunch of dumbbells can seem impossible. With machines, you know exactly what muscles you're working and how to do the exercise correctly.

On the other hand, machines do have disadvantages such as:

• They're too supportive. Because you have so much support, you use fewer muscle groups at the same time. This means you burn less calories and work the body in a less functional way.
• They're limited. Most machines offer one exercise for one part of the body, which means having to use multiple machines for a total body workout.
• They don't allow you to work on weaknesses. Many machines require you to use both arms or legs to move the weight, so if one side is stronger than the other, that side may do more work than the weaker side.
• They don't allow the body to work naturally. Because many machines work on a fixed path, there's not much room for working the body throughout different planes of motion.