Are dumbbells and barbells more effective than machine weights in terms of gaining strength and not mass?
Barbells and dumbells are more effective than machine because its classed as free weights so your not limited on the movement which can vary resistance and effort. Machines are fixed to only a few settings, as well as being stable. A perfect example is the bench press machine, its not really a machine but it has rails where the barbell goes up and down so, if you drop it it wont land on you, it may be safer in that terms but barbells will help you maintain balance since you have to use both arms in order to balance it to prevent it from leaning. Chin ups and pushups [body weight excersies] are great, but it is pretty limited, once you can do 30 – 50 in 1 – 2 sets you have no more resistance, unless you do an extra 20. Body weight excersies are great for beginners it helps with strength rather than mass. Using weights add more resistance and can be changed up or down, like adding a extra 2kg every workout would lead to more strength and mass. It varys what your goals are, if you want to
