I hate free weights!

[RabidGinFairy]

Hey all, are free weights ABSOLUTELY the best way to go? I love machines, they are quick and easy and so is changing the weights. I also feel like I get in the way with free weights, the serious buff'n'cut dudes make me feel pathetic (and yea I know thats pathetic in itself). I know there is more balance required with free weights, therefore you're probably using more of the muscle, but are machines okay if you're just sculpting? Thanks

[trinityau]

why do you hate free weights?

[Ann]

Yes - Free Weights are the best way to go

No - Machines are not ok for building muscle

AND

stop being lazy and get in a squat rack!

[AlBundy]

Do you hate them because you find them hard or because you feel embarrassed?

Bottom line is you wont build a well rounded physique using only machines.

It would help us to know what you are trying to achieve, what are your goals?

[VampireChick]

Hey all, are free weights ABSOLUTELY the best way to go? I love machines, they are quick and easy and so is changing the weights. I also feel like I get in the way with free weights, the serious buff'n'cut dudes make me feel pathetic (and yea I know thats pathetic in itself). I know there is more balance required with free weights, therefore you're probably using more of the muscle, but are machines okay if you're just sculpting? Thanks

Which Gym are you at? Do they have a women's section?

[PTinCHCH]

freeweights are the best way to go as they give an "even distribution" of exercise weight, but the best thing about them is they develop balance muscles and enhance the response of balance neural receptors.

machine weights take away all the free movement you get and even "cheat" with actual weight, as your being somewhat aided by the friction of the machine touchhing the mechanical working parts.

but in saying that, its all down to personal preference.

you want your experience at the gym to be pleasant, so work with watever you feel the most comfortable with.

[thatwaslight]

Hey all, are free weights ABSOLUTELY the best way to go? I love machines, they are quick and easy and so is changing the weights. I also feel like I get in the way with free weights, the serious buff'n'cut dudes make me feel pathetic (and yea I know thats pathetic in itself). I know there is more balance required with free weights, therefore you're probably using more of the muscle, but are machines okay if you're just sculpting? Thanks

oh dear, machines being EASY translates to Minamal results.

[Chillicat]

I also feel like I get in the way with free weights, the serious buff'n'cut dudes make me feel pathetic (and yea I know thats pathetic in itself).

I felt like that too for a very long time, and although I really wanted to do weight, felt a bit unsure of myself and intimidated. It's not silly, it's just a matter of building up some confidence, and you'd be surprised at how short a time it takes you.

Why not try introducing free weights slowly into your routine? I'm not sure what your routine is, but if you work one/two body parts a day, why not try one free weight each day you work out, then gradually add more. I'm a big fan of easing things in when I'm feeling uncertain about things, and even though I'm not buff or cut, I no longer feel (too) pathetic around all the big boys and girls.

I go to the gym my hubby goes to on Sundays, and their free weights are all in a couple of rooms downstairs, and I remember when I first got shown around the gym, the girl mentioned that it's where the strong boys hang out, and at first I felt like I would't belong in there. But now I just think 'bugger it' - I take my workouts seriously, and even though I'm small and a bit flabby, I've still got just as much of a right to be there - and so do you!

[nemesis]

don't be nervous about free weights, if it makes you feel more comfortable though then use the machines to build up your base strength for a couple of weeks then move into the free weights once your more comfortable. But you WILL need to get into the free weights if you wanna achieve anything in the long run.

from what I can gather being a member of this forum, (I work out at home) is if you concentrate on executing good form then anyone worth their salt is gonna respect you more than if you were someone swinging around bigger weights.

that's just my opinion.

[Specter]

I also feel like I get in the way with free weights, the serious buff'n'cut dudes make me feel pathetic (and yea I know thats pathetic in itself).

I felt like that too for a very long time, and although I really wanted to do weight, felt a bit unsure of myself and intimidated. It's not silly, it's just a matter of building up some confidence, and you'd be surprised at how short a time it takes you.

Why not try introducing free weights slowly into your routine? I'm not sure what your routine is, but if you work one/two body parts a day, why not try one free weight each day you work out, then gradually add more. I'm a big fan of easing things in when I'm feeling uncertain about things, and even though I'm not buff or cut, I no longer feel (too) pathetic around all the big boys and girls.

I go to the gym my hubby goes to on Sundays, and their free weights are all in a couple of rooms downstairs, and I remember when I first got shown around the gym, the girl mentioned that it's where the strong boys hang out, and at first I felt like I would't belong in there. But now I just think 'bugger it' - I take my workouts seriously, and even though I'm small and a bit flabby, I've still got just as much of a right to be there - and so do you!

I can never understand why you chicks get intimidted by the weights room when you first start off....most guys are really willing to help out but feel more intimidated by you girls if us guys see you doing something wrong..but dont know how to approach you about it without causing embarrasment for both parties...lol :pfft: its true

[RabidGinFairy]

Thanks everyone for your advice! I think the reason I prefer machines is that I feel I can't really go wrong. Spose I've never really been shown how to do free weights so I will ask the question of my EC the next time I get a programme written up. Asking around it seems free weights are definately the way to go! I'm not into building, just want a nice, sculpted body..

[Chillicat]

Asking around it seems free weights are definately the way to go! I'm not into building, just want a nice, sculpted body..

I wouldn't worry too much about suddenly looking like Arnold after doing a few bicep curls or other freeweight stuff. I've been working my butt off for the last 6 months or so, and I'm still not at a point where I'd be mistaken for a bodybuilder (no matter how hard I try )

[BAT_ATTACK]

A nice sculped body is fully achieveable with either free weights or machines. IMO everyone should do a 1-3 month course for strength/power to begin with and take it from there.

I prefer freeweights myself, but then I'm after strength,power and size.

[RabidGinFairy]

Asking around it seems free weights are definately the way to go! I'm not into building, just want a nice, sculpted body..

I wouldn't worry too much about suddenly looking like Arnold after doing a few bicep curls or other freeweight stuff. I've been working my butt off for the last 6 months or so, and I'm still not at a point where I'd be mistaken for a bodybuilder (no matter how hard I try )

yeah I know that its really hard for women to bulk because of the lack of testosterone so totally not worried and hey if that did suddenly happen I'd just ease off and scoff a couple choccie bars. Easy!