Free weights or machine

What is the fastest, most effective way for bulking up? Using free weights or machines? Opinions differ on this; some suggesting that free weights are better because they provide a more complete workout. Others prefer machine as they more effectively target specific muscles, providing more effective training.

Well, both are technically right, as free weights do engage other muscles in the process to provide a more complete workout. However it is also true that working out on machines are more effective if your goal is to target that specific muscle area. Studies have shown that in terms of strengthening a particular area, people can get similar results with both free weights and also machines.

The advantage of using free weights is that without the machine to assist, they have to stabilize the weights themselves, providing exercise to the whole muscle area including the abdominals and back. It is also for the very same reason that free weights are less effective in terms of targeting specific muscles.

For beginners, who are prone to injuries, using machines to aid them is a good way to train, as they offer stability and support and also promoting better posture. There are also no risk of dropping the barbell on your chest or breaking your toe from a falling dumbbell. For more experience trainers, a combination of both could also do them well, using machines for targeting specific muscles and free weights to get an overall workout.

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