Free Weights vs Machines - Best For Building Muscle? Get Stronger?

[@b19931228]

PictureFit in a nutshell: A vs B, which is better? "Well, it depends."

[@PictureFit]

+Ghastly Gibbus yes, I will accept this.

[@Ayot793]

Ghastly Gibbus Well as annoying as it is to not get a straight answer he's right, in the real world almost nothing is black and white

[@jamie91995]

Ghastly Gibbus he tells which is better for certain situations, says e pros and cons, and lets you choose what you want

[@MistaEmPe]

Most answers to the questions of life start that way

[@HisDudeness_69]

@@Ayot793 it's bigger than black and white bro

[@Criticalperspective2]

Free weights are good because you can steal them and put them in your gym bag. Can't do that with a machine.

[@PepeSi1via]

+Criticalperspective2 You must be stealing a lot of 2.5lb weights. Good for you.

[@Criticalperspective2]

More like 1.5

[@jhstylewon1172]

😂

[@frankgradeenofficial]

Criminal

[@sanchirkh6019]

ahahha u got me bro

[@Josue-xz6xq]

i feel like every kind of these videos end up answering my questions with "it depends"

[@lordboros2959]

Ah ur new her

[@Josue-xz6xq]

ファントム wth you’re late af

[@lordboros2959]

Boomer oh yeah

[@doncaffey7119]

It depends on the video

[@bruh-tl6mz]

Oh no its 5'6 himself!

[@Lamassu112]

Gatekeeper: What's the password? Me: It depends. Gatekeeper: You shall pass.

[@user-jv2cw9xi6z]

I can't breath

[@user-jv2cw9xi6z]

@UnMine ik

[@slickceretto9760]

Machines have been helping me get started and staying focused. The machines are easy to figure out and some of them have pictures on the proper muscles getting worked, helps me with mind muscle connection.

[@thebeetsound]

'do you booboo' im crying, love this channel.

[@PictureFit]

Hope you're feeling better

[@MeganDanee]

😂 same

[@MrBusrunner]

Yeah he single handedly lowered my testosterone level by 50% with that one sentence.

[@mopbuckets4734]

The BEET 🤣 same.

[@jaimemarcoslopezcastro1582]

@@PictureFit I love you!

[@dpolanco96]

Tbh this is what I did when I first started I used the machines to build my body stronger to then move on to free weights. You know you don’t wanna be that guy who’s lifting and doesn’t know his capacity or just looks stupid out there by lifting shit the wrong way. So I basically used to the machines to get stronger so that when I would get on the pull up bar it came much easier to be able to to do 5 then it became 6 then 10 then etc. take my advice and don’t rush into the free weights man 💪🏼

[@bobrosser1101]

Mike Deadass Miller yep I’m planning on doing just that build muscle with machines and then switching to compound movements for strength

[@lachulaguerra5272]

Thank you 🙏🏼 for the advice

[@dpolanco96]

@@lachulaguerra5272 yea no problem & good luck 👍🏽

[@KevinHumble92]

I started from free weights then transition to both free weights and machine. Great advice tho!

[@thel4dtankman185]

@@dpolanco96 thank you!

[@Mrwatdaefff]

the channel should be remained to "it depends"

[@Tigerpaws9097826]

What a wonderfully objective review! The merits of both modes of training are presented in a very balanced way. One other comment I'd add about machines: those who practice training to failure may have better results with machines on at least some exercises. The reason is that, consciously or subconsciously, when we perform an exercise where the weight is above us - like a squat or bench press - we may stop short of that final, next-to-impossible repetition out of concern about what happens if we can't make the lift and the weight comes down on top of us.

[@Lyon804]

good point

[@fatee5069]

Spotters and you have stoppers on squat racks.

[@volvo245]

Tigerpaws9097826 Do free weights until form failure (be very critical of your form) then run your muscles to hypertrophic hell with machines. You'll sort of get best of both worlds and you don't end up as a useless hunk of meat.

[@zee4125]

Amen to this. In my opinion this is probably the greatest advantage of machines.

[@loonaticaaron]

Machines: Good for beginners, people with injuries in certain spots, or elders. Also good for bodybuilders who need to do isolation exercises Barbell: Good for strength, core, and basically everything. There is no machine out there that can possibly mimic the effects of a barbell squat or deadlift. Those heavy barbell exercises utilize 5+ muscle groups and have several other benefits like learning to use many muscles in unison. Machines are designed to work out 1-2 muscles in isolation.

[@chris32177]

Aaron TV Do you booboo

[@carlosgonzalezbarco4026]

King of Pizza .

[@xlben10]

The real king are dumbbells it works the stabilizer muscles too

[@beerbiceps]

Fantastic stuff!

[@flatgamingyt8981]

Aahai beerbiceps op

[@ramzybleible5464]

It depends

[@CFC.NobarR]

If you’re a beginner then use light weight high reps for free weights to help you make your form better. Then do heavier training on the machines where it’s harder to mess up your form.

[@Alan-yg8wc]

Dom said to never go bench press unless you can do at least 135 lb, A.K.A 45 lb plate on each side.

[@maximusm0104]

i love brosciencelife

[@TraceguyRune]

Kevin Durant There is more to working out than benching. Bench dumbbells. Curl, and do dozens of other moves

[@ajlucky0076]

My max is 145 and I weigh 140

[@Joeyblannn]

A D dude wtf lol???? He was just sharing lol y r ur panties up in a bunch

[@ungabungus01]

So that means never bench or cope doing other exercises until you can lol

[@aft5264]

Your muscles don’t know what you’re lifting. You could lift heavy ass stacks of paper all day and still get big.

[@barackosama9442]

That’s exactly right actually

[@caronfernandes4625]

Your body doesn't know to calculate the weight as well. So in contrast you could lift light stacks of paper for high reps and still get big.

[@Chinasa1981]

2:31 "do you...booboo" I love this guy...great vibe and videos

[@PictureFit]

Thanks!

[@Chinasa1981]

you welcome..just remember you are NECESSARY.☺..learn a lot from your videos

[@jeremiahsage9986]

I like to start on free waits but then once I start to burn out I move to machines. I find my accessory muscles will fail before my targeted muscle group does. Machines help me really dig into that deep tissue.

[@jeremiahsage9986]

Weights*

[@radu1ro]

I really love your channel, keep up the good work!

[@PictureFit]

+RaduSerial Will do, thanks!

[@4biddenro]

FUCK I love this channel!

[@PictureFit]

Niceeeee

[@stepheninczech]

I used to do primarily free weights, but as I get older and have less time and become more focused on weight loss, I find that I really like the machines, which allow me to rotate through exercises with much less down time of moving plates, etc. I also have much less tweaks in my joints. However, I have noticed that my strength/mass does not build as fast as when I do free weights.

[@TPEPGamers]

Its always it depends.

[@bshwkrec.7189]

Pretty much all of your comparison videos conclude with "It depends"

[@patrickmiller5125]

but he still explains the difference to help break down goals. so yeah, it depends

[@dacoffeecup7416]

LordLofty y isn't that like life though it all depends

[@dexterrr9163]

But it really depends, there is no 100%

[@NathanAsh]

Of course! Each person is different in size and ability and it depends what you want from a workout

[@jimmyking92]

Free wieghts + body wieght exercises is the best. Machines are good if you are injured.

[@marinmarinhola]

Or want to hit a particular isolated muscle more effectively. Free weights are great for isolation, but machines are the Kings of isolation movements

[@lucasmcbride6271]

I agree except that certain machines are good such as Iso chest press because it helps to build chest even faster than incline dumbbell bench press or even barbell bench press. I say the perfect workout is when you include bodyweight exercises, free weights, machines, cables, and resistant band training.

[@bobrosser1101]

Lucas McBride so the best of all I’m guessin

[@metalmouth0413]

It depends is a great answer. For example, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sometimes I'm too stiff to use the free weights and my form sucks. Or, I get stuck on a particular compound movement where I can't progressively overload. Thus, not working out is an option other than a planned rest week.

[@kleshayer3751]

Lucas McBride I want learn to do that you know of a book or websites that explains how to use it or what programs to do?

[@reneefleming6533]

It’s him saying “do you booboo” that puts me at ease, I feel like I can trust him with my secretes.

[@rudnums1]

Picturefit's conclusion to any "vs" video: 'It depends' Haha only love and support from here❤

[@Peter_1986]

The most important factor in every gym exercise is your form - in fact, I would highly recommend to start out with the lowest weights possible whenever you try a new exercise, since this allows you to safely get used to the required technique. And machines are typically fine as long as they allow you to make natural movements.

[@Axis-oz6nb]

Just found this channel, it's amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@albertalbert7958]

Happy to see such a good explanation in youtube. whatever was missing you will see in in comment section.

[@horvathszilveszter]

Free weights. Nothing beats the classics.

[@nicklausmb]

Definitely. I still like the machines but not as much. My ratio would be: 75% Free weights and 25% machines.

[@CosmicKey-dj3gx]

I use this channel as a parameter to judge other fitness channels. Great content. Been a fan for a long time. I used to be 12 kgs overweight, got that down in 3 months. Now time for some gaainzz.

[@PbVeritas]

I simply can not believe this channel has only 16k subscribers... And that I stumpled upon it just yesterday... Nevertheless great videos! Great channel! Keep it up!

[@dirtytaco1221]

Keep more videos coming! This channel is dope.

[@bobsmithinson2050]

This was a quick answer to this question. Great video

[@ethanireland1031]

Do what makes you happy.

[@kevinm.328]

machines help keep constant muscle tension at points in a repetition were you wouldn't get much. for example when your hands are lowered during curls with free weights. you wouldn't get as much tension unless you are using one of those slanted arm rest and if you are then there will be less tension at the top

[@Creesekush]

You're a good drawer man.

[@KodyKaz]

Chris thx man

[@arsenalbarua5026]

Wao!! This channel literally is the trainer who explains it all calmly to a beginner. Thanks!! I am a beginner at the gym but I have always been a regular swimmer, if I do both say for 5 days at least will I loose muscle as well because of swimming?!? p.s. I can swim 1 K within 20 mins, so will that effect my muscle growth

[@PictureFit]

Depends how intense you swim. You can build muscle even with swimming granted you're swimming intensely enough.

[@someguyusa]

Machines and cables allow me to exercise all muscle groups despite permanent back injuries from a car accident, and I'm still in great shape as a result. I do miss the free weights though.

[@GoodNews-px2im]

A well-balanced, factual video; nicely done!

[@Abstract1984]

Machines have some benefits, more easier to get closer to faillure without compensating form or fear to have an injury or accident. I like the hack squat for instance a lot and incline chest press machine, to hit just a little closer to faillure without accidents.

[@benruffo1197]

With barbell squats the resistance is parallel to the spine. A sudden off balance action can pull a muscle. The lower back machine keeps weight perpendicular to spine. Safer.

[@Deristrome]

I like machines because with, for example, lateral raises, free weights make me wonder “am I bending my elbows equal on both sides?” “Am I lifting both dumbbells the same height?” So machines and their fixed form are perfect for me. I do find it advantageous the part regarding balancing muscles and natural movements but it fells as if natural movements are not the best for symmetry.

[@subhasishmedhi9462]

If you want to build muscle as fast as possible, I recommend the personalized Agoge diet... I'm seeing great results!

[@koambp55]

Your content is pure amazing.

[@madprbros4425]

The problem with free weights is that my wrists make it harder to carry the weights like in the dumbbell bench press I can do 24 kg dumbbell 10 times if using my muscles but I can't because of my wrists I can only do 20

[@marving.5436]

Machines are a good start for lifting weights minimizing injury, build muscle and progressive overload without a worry and you dont need a training partner in that regards, in Free weights you can only lift as heavy as you can but not heavier without a training partner or a spotter who will assist you to avoid injury...

[@SuperMultiAwesome]

Great stuff ! When's the next Q&A? I've posted a bunch of questions on other videos!

[@PictureFit]

+Rishad Manecksha I'm going to try to work on one soon!

[@notomar1555]

I'm 15 and i started lifting a month ago and most of my muscles have been activated. They started to get slightly larger, thank you so much for good advice! I'll give you an update a month from now.

[@KodyKaz]

NOT Omar update

[@ZedEditz31z]

It's been 3 years lmao

[@PubertPenis]

Update

[@Bolero6879]

Update its been 4, youre 19 now

[@notomar1555]

@@Bolero6879 yeah lol, i gave up after 2 years, got fat as shit but i’m starting again, 6 months of training. don’t have many gains, just weight loss and feeling stronger. gonna go for longer than 2 years.

[@davidperry4013]

I like do a combination of free weights and machines. I would personally avoid all seated ab machines, pec deck machines, and the selectorized seated hip twister thingy. My preferred machines are the cable cross towers, lat pull down, tricep push down, rowing machine, seated squat machine, and hammer strength machines. I would use hip abduction and adduction machines and back extension machines sparingly as a supplementary exercise instead of a primary exercise. Free weight exercises I would personally avoid is behind the back overhead presses and the standing barbell row. All other free weights exercises are very beneficial especially when good for is used. Deadlifts are very good but, you may want to use a deadlift platform or borrow some Pilate mats to minimize the risk of getting the cold shoulder at globo gyms and never ever do deadlifts at planet fitness. I have gotten 2 cold shoulders by la fitness staff for deadlifting at LA fitness and I borrowed a few Pilates mats from the Pilates studio and it dampened the noise more than enough to please the gym staff. I am not ego lifter, I do 80 percent 1 rep max and I try my best to minimize metallic clanging noise created by the deadlifts.

[@CarlosPerez-de3vj]

Was gunna like this but then what you said at the end killed it

[@YTho-ev1ej]

free weights are also more likely to cause an injury if you don't use the correct form. But if you ask me which one I would use most I'd say free weights as I gym for sport but I also use machines a fair bit and alternate between different exercises of machine and free weight to prevent plateauing

[@PictureFit]

Good choice!

[@joetart9905]

Injured my SI joint performing deadlifts, so have to resort to machines for back work which don't hurt my lower back. So for injuries, folks with ROM problems, or for safety machines/cables win. For getting the biggest and strongest you can be use free weights.

[@chopzmasta07]

If you're going to use machines, use the iso-lateral plate loaded machines such as hammer strength, nautilus, or any where the machine allows you to move one side at a time separately

[@DoesMahBlockLookBig]

You should do a video on why good posture is important

[@justinmorgan4568]

Free weights or body weight all the way....I tried squats once on a Smith machine, never again. It was the most awkward feeling I had a gym in my entire life, I'm glad I didn't come out of there with an injury.

[@kawaiipineapple8121]

Justin Morgan I hurt my back doing that

[@thomasmanton3944]

I tried squats once on a Smith machine.I got hurt several times. 2013-2017. Then i tried zercher squat free weight until 325 pounds. No hurts. The gym got this year a cage then i can squat properly (385) no hurts.

[@spitsmagoo2446]

Simple answer, just do BOTH!

[@adiri52]

They nether really answer the question

[@reachprotocol4367]

underrated channel

[@PictureFit]

Thanks!

[@gigihasho9390]

Dear picture fit admin, i would like to thanks you for all the efforts that u r doing to get us better understanding about gym staffs. I have one suggestion if u don't mind it, i want u to give us a corse for beginners that we can run on to lose weight and build muscles hence other channels don't have something like this. With my best regards.

[@beehive739]

the main principle in weight training is to #warm up rotator calf #warm up hip flexors and your good to go.

[@Darkslyyer]

Thanks

[@Zystus]

I just use both... Best of both worlds!

[@TechJayr]

picture fit i love you. please come back to youtube. I get educated by your videos. :( God bless you and I hope all is well with you.

[@obits3]

The major thing people need to know about machines is the concept of mechanical advantage. For example, the leg press is at an angle. You might need twice the weight to equal the true resistance of a squat. Also, look at pulleys. If the lat pulldown moves the weight stack the same distance you moved the bar, then you are truly living that weight. If the stack moves much less than you moved the bar, pulleys have given you a mechanical advantage (it just depends on the arrangement).

[@adamlea6339]

If you choose a weight where you can get 8-10 reps max in all cases, does the mechanical advantage matter much? One advantage of machines is they can apply a consistent resistance throughout the full range of motion. With a bicep barbell curl, the hardest part of the movement is when your arms are parallel to the ground, and it is easy at the top and bottom. A cable machine curl has constant resistance throughout the motion. With free weights, it might be possible to explode from an easy starting point through the hardest bit of the movement (i.e. use momentum). Less easy to do that with a machine.

[@obits3]

@@adamlea6339 The downside of machines is their lack of transferability to the real word use of strength. They don't have a balance component and the mechanical advantage can make you think you are stronger than you really are. In some ways, machines are like training wheels on a bike. You can start with them, but at some point, you need to transition to the real use of strength.

[@jonasvogel3672]

I love the "it depends twist" in some of your videos ^-^ and well, your channel is inspiring me on subscribing to a gym in the near future (currently being sick deterrs me of doing so)

[@rickrossstagedive3490]

Aye just saying I never went to a gym once growing up my dad bought me a total gym when I was 12 and I used tf outta that shit until I was 18 and I got some pretty nice ass results

[@ninjin329]

the hammer strength machine is amazing!

[@Jimmy-lm2eg]

Rocky: Free weights Ivan drago: Machines

[@pizzayummy3668]

Rocky:Calisthenics

[@dirtywash4890]

I use the hack squat machine for front squats. You can get a lot more weight on your quads

[@tanmaymathur1048]

Rename your channel to 'it depends'😂😂 great content💪

[@legion7318]

thank you...very helpful

[@griffenchesnut2600]

Awesome stuff

[@eugeneimbangyorteza]

I have been a regular gym rat for a year now and a way to go is use machines to top load capabilities (starter) and free weights as I go along.

[@Candiedcurlies35]

Great video. However, I wasn't ready for the "do you booboo". LOL!!!

[@ivi122]

Love your drawings ❤️

[@ellax1152]

What about Resistance Bands vs Free Weights?

[@Sebastian.12]

Lol!

[@kotallysavage6496]

ellax no gains

[@MrMokoush]

The “do u booboo” killed me😂😂😂

[@mharley3791]

"Do you boo boo" YASSSSS!!! The motto for life.

[@Nogardo]

Fun when you’re looking to see what you’re doing wrong and the video ends with telling you that you’re doing just fine

[@KEN-tg4qy]

Cable is almighty. Everyone seems to love it.

[@joshuagarcia5822]

Did he just say boo boo at the end? Lol, CMBO!

[@TheGr8-1]

Ok. Before listening; in my experience Free weights are definitely superior. But free weights are better for beginners or returning after a long layoff. It can help with the form. Doing both can help with plateaus.

[@luisriba8082]

I use free weights for workouts and machines for recovery or work an specific area that needs improvement.

[@labradorproductions7772]

Combination of both required.

[@ismailkaja3010]

my opinon is machines..muscle growth is more when we choose machines....free weight is slower gain but never drop out the body maintance..however do machines first get big get form then move on to free weights to maintain the body...thank u

[@jhstylewon1172]

My roommate and I are some of your biggest fans! This doesn't relate to fitness, but what's your ethnicity? As always thanks for your helpful and easy to understand videos.

[@PictureFit]

+J.H.Thomas Won A type of Asian ;)

[@kennethfrancismapa3130]

I use bands this quarantine

[@jkim972]

lol was that a kevin hart reference at the end? That pretty much sums it all up

[@kcole-xu8nm]

please do a video on calastenics

[@PictureFit]

+K.Cole What would you like to know about calisthenics?

[@kcole-xu8nm]

+PictureFit i would like to know its effects on your muscles, health, and carido compared to how weight lifting effects your body and which one is better for you and which one will make you stronger faster

[@kcole-xu8nm]

+PictureFit i would like to know its effects on your muscles, health, and carido compared to how weight lifting effects your body and which one is better for you and which one will make you stronger faster

[@BrianTerrill]

I use both

[@bonusmeme49]

Why not do both? Using free weights for compound movements helps more than 2 or 3 muscles while most of the machines help you isolate a certain muscle plus with machines you can lift more weight than you can handle with free weights, and free weights as you said buid your athleticism and also help you develop some lung capacity( by doing squats and deadlifts with heavy weight mostly).

[@greenarrow5802]

Incorporate Both into your regimen

[@metalmouth0413]

I'm guilty of the machine squat. I've used it for a bit because of footing. Have had issues with using my heels to drive the weight up. Does good in foot training. Cable deadlifts work in helping with lower back. It's like going to tutoring to help overcome a struggle.

[@333angeleyes]

It's weird watching a PictureFit video without hearing him quote a study or use some kind of data to support his thesis/video topic. My only guess is that it's because this is one of his early videos?

[@airjones45]

i use machines after my workout. I can drop the weight faster and just go overkill on the muscle im training.

[@manuxgp]

can you make a video showing what part of your body should you work more.

[@PictureFit]

+Manuel Pineda Can you elaborate a bit more?

[@manuxgp]

PictureFit Which body part should you workout more often.

[@RedTheBlind]

Now what about this. Because you are who is watching this properbly has a gym membership, use the machines at the Gym, and when you are strong enough, buy some weights and dith the membership 😎

[@luisponce20]

can you please do a video on calisthenics?

[@EroticOnion23]

Machine I think are better because they have more isolation, not to mention easier going to failure since there is no fear of a 200+lb hunk of metal crashing down thus you can push for those last few juicy reps.

[@ismaelnurein3588]

what's the best way to build muscle weight and size meal plans and exercise

[@chatzimarkos]

do a video about lactic acid