What's better, lifting free weights or using machines?

This question has been surfacing since I bought my first gym membership in 1990, wow I'm old! There's a common concern among people that by using free weights they may become "bulky" or too muscular. There seems to be a calm at the thought of using machines. Some people have told me they feel that machines are better for "toning" and "sculpting". Well, my friends here it is!

The human body is amazing at adapting to various demands placed upon it. For example, when you perform a biceps curl. You biceps muscle must recruit enough muscle fiber to lift the resistance in your hand. Does your biceps reconize what you are holding in your hand? What if I was using a water bottle filled with 3 lbs. of sand or a piece of rubber tubing that supplied 3 lbs. of resistance. How about a biceps curl machine with 3 lbs. of weight. Here is my point. Your body does not care nor does it recognize what is being used for resistance during an exercise. What I suggest is that you find something you enjoy. That may be using medicine balls or a gravity machine for your workouts. Enjoying the acivity gives you a better chance of success because your more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

Good luck,
Tyler

Does lifting free weights really make me bigger?

This debate has existed since I first stepped foot into a gym back in 1990. Wow I feel old! Back then however there were not as many strength training options as there are today. So when I get asked the question "I want to tone up without getting too muscular, what should I do?" Here is my response. Your body is amazing at adapting to any demand that is placed on it. Regardless if you are lifting free weights, using machines, or perhaps you enjoy core training with bands and medicine balls. Your body does not recognize the difference between a machine and a dumbbell. Sure there is more stability and balance required to lift a dumbbell versus using a machine. When it comes to strength training find something you enjoy to do and stick with it! Don't get caught up on using the ultimate piece of training equipment. At the end of the day your results will be determined by your committment to consistency.

Good Luck,
Tyler