Man vs machine whats best for strength
18 Dec 2012

Man vs. Machine

1 mins to read
Which is best to build your strength?


If you perform resistance training to build strength or increase muscle mass, there are a wide variety of exercises to choose from.

The resistance can come in many forms, with body weight exercises and pin-loaded weight machines amongst the most popular.

But which is best?

Pin-loaded weights

  • Ideal for beginners - Machines are safe and easy to use, which is ideal if you are new to resistance training.
  • Good technique– Because the machine guides the movement pattern, you are more likely to use the correct lifting technique.
  • Safety – Built-in safety features means you can lift very heavy weights without a spotter, or fear of being placed in a dangerous position.
  • Adjustable resistance – Pin-loaded machines allow you to quickly and easily change the amount of weight you are lifting. This allows you to increase the resistance without having to perform numerous repetitions.

Body weight exercises

  • Stabilisers – Body weight exercises are more likely to improve core strength, posture and joint stability, giving you a more complete training benefit.
  • Cost – Body weight exercises are free and require minimal equipment, while pin-loaded weight machines are either expensive, or require a gym membership.
  • Variations – Body weight exercises allow for numerous variations and easy adjustments in grip (wide, narrow, overhand, underhand), which targets your muscles differently.
  • Freedom – Body weight exercises can be performed anywhere, anytime, and take up no space.

No doubt different exercises will suit you better at different stages of your program, such as pin-loaded machines when you are starting out, and body weight exercises while you are travelling. As with most exercise programs, variety is the key, and using a combination of both types of resistance will also target your muscles in different ways.

How do you train to boost strength and muscle mass? Do you have a preference between pin-loaded machines and body weight exercises?



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