HIT - Free weights or Machines

[Bertuzzi]

I have never done any HIT before but want to start. I very rarely use machines as I enjoy free weights, but what I've noticed on a lot of HIT videos and instructions online they use machines. Is it a personal preference or is one better than the other??

Thanks

[JohnnyB11]

Alot of people say free weight is better because you work stabilizer muscles and that way one part of your body doesn't over power another.

[evander87]

Free weights if you can but the whole point behind HIT is to go to complete failure and I wouldn't want to be under a bar by myself and hit complete muscle failure.

[l2elapse]

what machines are they showing you

[Bertuzzi]

what machines are they showing you

Chest press, shoulder press, Leg press.... things like that

[spywizard]

the deal is with HIT, you are more interested in increasing endurance and stamina, at the same time working out in a heart rate range that makes you work out aerobically.. 135bpm at least..

so to do that, free weights you risk more injury..

with machines they will help protect you from injury..

[l2elapse]

Machines have their uses but for workouts that short and intense like HIT i would strongly stick to free weights..unless you have an injury preventing you

[Bertuzzi]

the deal is with HIT, you are more interested in increasing endurance and stamina, at the same time working out in a heart rate range that makes you work out aerobically.. 135bpm at least..

so to do that, free weights you risk more injury..

with machines they will help protect you from injury..

This is what I was thinking.

Machines have their uses but for workouts that short and intense like HIT i would strongly stick to free weights..unless you have an injury preventing you

See.... all these mixed opinions, I'm unsure, because I love free weights but machines seem safer to push myself to the max!

[l2elapse]

what exercises are you finding it hard to push yourself to the max?

[MASTERMIKE 48]

I train in my garage so I really know nothing of what your talking about! I have been able to accomplish what you see in my avatar all by free weights in a 30x30 area! I would think the machines would be more for circuit type training where you don't have to switch plates around? Just me tho!

[Bertuzzi]

what exercises are you finding it hard to push yourself to the max?

None yet.... I haven't ever tried HIT, Was gonna start tomorrow, but I will be solo with no spotter, so I see myself getting better push outta chest and shoulder press with a machine.

[Bertuzzi]

I train in my garage so I really know nothing of what your talking about! I have been able to accomplish what you see in my avatar all by free weights in a 30x30 area! I would think the machines would be more for circuit type training where you don't have to switch plates around? Just me tho!

These are machines with removable plates, not plates and a pin... LOL I know, it doesn't make it much better but it makes me feel better

[Times Roman]

None yet.... I haven't ever tried HIT, Was gonna start tomorrow, but I will be solo with no spotter, so I see myself getting better push outta chest and shoulder press with a machine.

I've been solo my whole life. No spotter. A bench can be frightening when you are pinned down, and hundreds of pounds on your chest, unable to move. I sprung for a BP machine, used, and it is really nice to be able to go to failure. (unfortunately, it's at home, and I'm here)

I have a machine for leg presses, so no need for a spotter there (as in squats). In fact, i'm pretty happy with the leg press machine. it does calves really well also.

My son swears by the gym, but sometimes his workout partner flakes, plus you have to get in your car and drive to the gym, and that takes time.

I think when i get home, maybe I'll build a really good enclosed backyard patio gym, not sure.....

[l2elapse]

Try both..do free weights for 4-6 weeks then machines for 4-6 weeks and see which results are better

[Times Roman]

i would prefer having a spotter at my house and do free weights. short of that....

[Bertuzzi]

Try both..do free weights for 4-6 weeks then machines for 4-6 weeks and see which results are better

I think this is a good solution.... Gonna start monday.

i would prefer having a spotter at my house and do free weights. short of that....

Agreed.

Thanks for all the input everyone.