Resistance training has become the main focus for a majority of the population. There is also a school of thought that resistance training is all you need to become healthy or lose weight. While I don't belong to that school, resistance training needs to play a major role in nearly everyone's programs. Just a few of the many benefits of resistance training are increased strength, muscle mass, and bone density.
Programs for resistance training are very specific for each person and needs to include general principles such as specificity of training, SAID principle, progressive overload, variation in training and prioritization of training. To learn more about what these principles are and how we use them, just ask.
Machines versus free- weights
While machines can be useful in some situations, I prescribe to free weights much more often. Among the many reasons for this, here are a few:
1. Machines are not always made for people of all shapes and sizes.
2. Machines may limit the range of motion of a muscle due to their lack of flexibility.
3. While isolating a muscle can be desirable, it does not allow for the body to use assisting movers or stabilizers
4. You may not need a spotter for machines, but it can create a false sense of security. It is still possible to get injured using machines!