Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

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Expand view Topic review: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by robertjohn » Fri May 29, 2026 4:16 am

Thanks everyone, that's way less intimidating than what I was reading elsewhere. Booking the induction now.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by LiftMaven » Fri May 29, 2026 3:56 am

And come back with questions whenever. The Beginners board exists for exactly this. Welcome aboard.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by Maverick » Fri May 29, 2026 3:36 am

Exactly. Full body three times a week, learn the basics light, use machines to fill gaps, book that induction, and just keep turning up. Do that for three months and you'll be amazed.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by robertjohn » Fri May 29, 2026 3:20 am

Noted - leave the ego at the door.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by Stronghold42 » Fri May 29, 2026 3:00 am

Don't ego lift. The single biggest beginner mistake is loading too much weight to look strong and butchering the form. Light and clean always wins. The weight comes on its own.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by SophiaMiller » Fri May 29, 2026 2:42 am

And use machines to build confidence early. There's nothing wrong with leg press while your squat is still clunky. As you get stronger and more coordinated the barbell stuff will click.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by MaxStrength » Fri May 29, 2026 2:23 am

Free weights have a slightly higher learning curve but they pay off long term, so don't avoid them out of fear. Start light, even just the empty barbell, and add weight slowly once the movement feels natural.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by robertjohn » Fri May 29, 2026 2:05 am

Good idea, the gym offers a free induction so I'll book that.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by BeastModeBro » Fri May 29, 2026 1:45 am

If you can, spend one session getting shown how to squat, hinge and press by someone who knows what they're doing - even one paid intro session with a trainer. It saves months of bad habits.

Re: Total beginner - is it better to start with machines or free weights?

by MasonTaylor » Fri May 29, 2026 1:29 am

Biggest thing as a beginner isn't machines vs free weights, it's learning to do a few movements well and showing up consistently. A boring program done for six months beats a perfect program done for two weeks.

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