Free weights vs. machines

My preference has always been machines as I feel they allow for more accuracy. Of course, they only come with so much weight attatched and can quickly be maxed out hehe.

The best option would be a combination. The freeweights not only allow for more weight when needed, but it uses the stabalizer muscles surrounding the target muscles. Also, dumbbells get my preference over barbells for the same stabalizing/balancing reasons. But these too have weight maxes usually.

I prefer free weights, hands down. I really dont like cables except for pushdowns. I use them for leg extensions, and hammies, but thats it. Most of the pressing ones, especially shoulders, I dont fit into anymore

I agree, its all about the freeweights

I think it comes down to, whatever works best for you, You cant say one thing builds more mass than another, How does your muscle know the difference? It doesn't. So whatever you prefer.

I like a lil bit of both

I use mostly machines when i work out by myself. If I have a training partner Ill use more free weights.

It's easier to use machines when you don't have a spotter or when you work around injuries. I try to mix machines and free weights for shoulders though because they are my lagging bodypart.

free weight i feel machines dont do to much for me i maybe use them at the end of my workout to burn out...

My former training partner used to stick to barbells and dumbells also because he said that more muscles are involved when you're training "the old fashioned way".

free weights is the best, it works all the stabilizer muscles too and you get a better range of motion and stretch for a fuller muscle build, but its also good to change things up too with machines if your trying to hit a particular muscle only

Rex