The age-old debate rages on!

How can a beginner squat 400lbs? By using a machine. That's how. 

This was the start of a conversation at the gym when one of our stronger lifters mentioned that a co-worker was lifting the aforementioned four-hundy. It does not translate to a barbell squat! 

There is a place for machines in a person's fitness program, but when it comes to building functional strength, free weights is where it's at.

Machines are best for:

• Beginners
• Injury rehab

Free weights like barbells and dumbbells are best for:

• Building overall strength
• Improving flexibility and coordination
• Workout variety. One barbell and some plates offers dozens of different exercise compared to single-exercise machines.

We get into the debate about machines versus free weights.

Take a listen!