Free weights are a lot harder. If you haven’t already noticed. 50lbs on a machine is lighter than 50lbs in free weights. Why is that though? Because when you are using free weights, you need to control the weight. It’s not like a machine where the machine controls the weights for you and you just have to push it. If you didn’t know, yes it is totally different! No, you probably didn’t get stronger over night!
Now what is the point of controlling the weight? How is that a good thing? Well it is a good thing. When you control your weight, you learn to use proper form on your lifts. I would stick to free weights first, and then go to machine to isolate the muscles a bit more. I’m not saying machines aren’t good, they are. Those hammer strength machines make money for a reason, everyone loves them! I do think free weights are better though, because compound lifts are done with free weights.
