Q. Are the circuit machines or free weights more effective?

Simple free weights (dumbbells and cable machines) are significantly more effective than the typical circuit machines. Free weights require your muscles to control all planes of motion. Think of a chest press machine. You adjust the seat, plop down, grab the handles and push. The path of travel is predetermined regardless of your size, strength and imbalances. By using a bench and dumbbells, you are responsible for not only pushing the weights away from the chest (vertical), but also the rotation and horizontal planes as well. In addition, free weights move independently, which places equal resistance on both sides of the body. Weight machines could allow a stronger side of the body to carry more of the load, which does nothing to correct a strength imbalance. Free weights do require a greater knowledge of biomechanics, but the results are well worth it. Get trained and get started!

-- As always, if you have any additional questions please ask

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