| Want to know the Million Dollar question I | | | | Now, if I had to use a machine for resistance |
| get asked probably more than any other? | | | | training, it'd probably be Hammer Strength |
| | | | machines. Hammer Strength is a company that |
| Which is better for building muscle: Machines | | | | recognizes that humans do not lift weights in |
| or Free Weights? | | | | a perfectly straight line. The range of |
| | | | motion of Hammer Strength equipment generally |
| Well, first of all, overloading the muscle | | | | follows the natural arc of our own force |
| with heavy weight -- whatever the type of | | | | curve. |
| equipment you use -- is what promotes muscle | | | | |
| growth. Any exercise that limits overload is | | | | And the thing is, you can probably lift more |
| not a good choice. | | | | weight on Hammer Strength equipment than a |
| | | | free weight barbell. And it makes sense why. |
| However, in most cases, it's much more | | | | The machines help you out by balancing and |
| effective, and more efficient, to overload | | | | stabilizing the majority of the weight for |
| the muscle with dumbbells and barbells. | | | | you. This makes it easier to lift more |
| | | | weight. But it's not an advantage. Muscle |
| Most machines are very inefficient and not | | | | fiber recruitment will always be less than if |
| nearly as effective at muscle stimulation as | | | | a free weight were used. |
| free weight compound exercises. That's | | | | |
| because they limit the amount of overload you | | | | Even though the absolute poundage is greater |
| can achieve. Less overload... less muscle | | | | on a machine, the actual overload on the |
| fiber recruitment and less muscle growth as a | | | | muscle is greater with free weights because |
| result. | | | | you're responsible for balancing and |
| | | | stabilizing all the weight yourself. This, |
| Sticking with basic free weight exercises | | | | along with an increased range of motion, is |
| enables you to handle maximum overload and | | | | why free weights are better for more muscle |
| use natural biomechanics as you perform the | | | | fiber recruitment and maximum stimulation. |
| movements. Machines restrict your natural | | | | |
| movements, again, making them less effective | | | | Bottom line, good old-fashioned free weights |
| for building muscle. | | | | are the number one selection for building |
| | | | muscle! |