The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Weight Machines

1. The Advantages of Using Weight Machines Weight machines are easy to operate. You start by adjusting your seat and then either push or pull a bar or a set of handles. The handles are connected to a chain, cable or lever that are connected to a stack of rectangular-shaped weights, weighing 5-50 pounds. To lift 20 pounds you simply stick a metal peg through the hole of the 30- pound weight

2. They are safe They are ideal for beginners because if you run out of strength during an exercise you can let go without fear of a heavy weight dropping on your body.

3. They require little balance or coordination Most weight machines hold your body in the correct position unlike "free weights." For example, if you do a shoulder press on a weight machine you just sit on a chair and push the handles up but with a barbell you have to not only push the bar up but stay steady and balanced at the same time.

4. You can work on specific muscles Traditional weight machines let you focus on one muscle, which is great if you're trying to correct a specific weakness. An example of this is where you want to strengthen your hamstrings or rear thigh muscles. There is a weight machine that holds your body in position while you bend your legs and target your hamstrings. If you use free weights to accomplish the same task you'll probably end up working your front-thigh and butt muscles too.

5. Faster workouts With weight machines you can set up the exercise much quicker than you can with free weights. You simply adjust the seat (if necessary) and stick the metal peg through a hole instead of removing free weights off a rack and sliding them on and off a barbell. Also, gyms and health clubs usually have weight machines grouped together, which make it quick and easy to move between them and enables you to complete a whole body workout in about 20 minutes.