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.