Are free weights really better than machines?

[view]

Yes.
According to Fleck and Kraemer, with free weights, you have to maintain 3 way balance. Machines only require 1 way balance. So with weights, more muscle groups are involved in exercise.
I can always do more weight with machine compared to free weights.
By the way, dumb bells are better than bar bells for the same reason.

I finally agree with you on something. At least the first part where you say freeiweights are best.

I can see why you think db's could be better, because they are harder to do, but you are able to apply more poundages to the system with a BB. The difference is probably so small though that it wouldn't matter.

 

[blut wump]

I guess there's a sliding scale from isolation and little required stabilization to compound and lots of stabilization.

The dumbells move even more work onto the stabilizers and, maybe, to the extent that they are swamped to the detriment of working the larger muscles. I haven't done much DB work except for side-bends in a long time.

 

[Fury20]

I guess there's a sliding scale from isolation and little required stabilization to compound and lots of stabilization.

The dumbells move even more work onto the stabilizers and, maybe, to the extent that they are swamped to the detriment of working the larger muscles. I haven't done much DB work except for side-bends in a long time.

Agreed. My free weight movements are done with Barbells, except for shoulders where i used DBs, but I still prefer standing BB Presses