August 2022 PMID 34609100

Machines and free weight exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing changes in muscle size, strength, and power.

Kyle A Heidel, Zachary J Novak, Scott J Dankel

Mentions

38
Peak: 3 in Apr 2022
across 4 sources since Oct 2021

Extended reach

141,985
potential audience

Total likes

83

Video views

209

Mentions per month

Oct 2021 – Feb 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter22 posts
  • News12 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions highlight several examples, such as debates over the effectiveness of smith machines versus free weights, and references to scientific analyses, using words like 'no less effective,' 'current literature,' and 'scientific evidence' to convey thorough engagement and a focus on evidence-based conclusions.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the findings, emphasizing that machines are equally effective as free weights for building muscle and strength, which shows general support for the article.

InterestHigh interest

The topics of resistance training methods and their effectiveness intrigue many, especially with comments like 'Contrary to popular belief,' indicating high curiosity.

EngagementHigh engagement

Participants reference specific studies, such as Arnold squatting on a smith machine, and interpret research results, demonstrating deep engagement with the scientific content.

ImpactModerate impact

While some posts suggest the findings could influence training choices, overall, the discussions seem more geared toward understanding rather than immediate application or policy change.

Abstract in brief

  • This study compared how free weight exercises (like using barbells or dumbbells) versus machine-based exercises affect muscle size, strength, and power, and found that the effectiveness can depend on the type of test used.
  • When strength was measured with free weights, people training with free weights experienced greater strength gains, whereas those using machines gained more strength when their training included machine exercises; overall, both methods produced similar improvements when tested with neutral devices.
  • The research showed no significant differences between free weights and machines in improving power or muscle size, suggesting that personal preference and exercise adherence might be the most important factors for individuals aiming for general health benefits.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Ali Alqarni | علي القرني
@Amqfit · X

لا يوجد أفضلية للأوزان الحرة على الاجهزة إذا كان هدفك زيادة القوة العامة وكتلة العضلات والصحة بشكل عام الخيار اللي تفضله وتلتزم فيه هو الافضل لك إلا إذا كانت الرياضة اللي تمارسها تعتمد بشكل اساسي على الاوزان الحرة مثل البورلفتنق https://t.co/rP3wn7n5G2

Jan 7, 2023 · 31 likes · 3 shares · 34,509 followers View post →
House of Hypertrophy
@hypertrophyhome · X

Arnold squatting on a smith machine, haha. Seriously though, the current literature shows machines (including smith machines) are no less effective than free weights for hypertrophy: https://t.co/tkWY8KgSTs https://t.co/KhfU6OEMGp

Apr 5, 2022 · 16 likes · 3 shares · 3,580 followers View post →
Mike Hart, M.D
@drmikehart · X

Contrary to popular belief, you can build as much muscle with machines as you can with free weights. https://t.co/koCGeZ6D2v

May 15, 2023 · 12 likes · 66,573 followers View post →
パーカーフィットネス
@parker_fitness · X

フリーウエイトはマシンよりも多くの筋肉を鍛える? メタ分析にも証明されているように、実はその理屈は科学的な信頼性は非常に薄い ベンチプレスで腹筋が疲れる? フリーウエイトの不安定理論はバランスボールに乗れば腹筋が割れるといっているようなもの https://t.co/oEK25YZqrk

May 26, 2023 · 5 likes · 787 followers View post →
The Strength Initiative
@Strength_Init · X

Should I train using free weights or machine weights to increase #muscle size, #strength and #power? Heidel and colleagues found that those aiming to increase #strength and #power should consider the #specificity of the #exercise for their purpose https://t.co/1WElIHGwuN

Jun 15, 2022 · 5 likes · 1 share · 59 followers View post →
OJSN
@iamojsn · X

Single vs. Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises: Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy - PMC https://t.co/Gnb89njTI1 Machines and free weight exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing changes in muscle size, strength, and power - PubMed https://t.co/I3puhQLvIl

Apr 30, 2024 · 3 likes · 14,933 followers View post →

All mentions

Yuta
@yutafitJP · X

https://t.co/cU3qbLZFDA

Feb 5, 2025 · 3 followers View post →
デオキシリボ助さん
@Salvare036 · X

文献紹介しておきます。 最も信頼性の高いメタアナリシスという研究手法なので、根拠としては十分かと。 【参考文献】 Kyle A Heidel, et al. Machines and free weight exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing changes in muscle size, strength, and power. 2021. https://t.co/1MqiogH3L6

Sep 6, 2024 · 1 like · 1,660 followers View post →
OJSN
@iamojsn · X

Single vs. Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises: Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy - PMC https://t.co/Gnb89njTI1 Machines and free weight exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing changes in muscle size, strength, and power - PubMed https://t.co/I3puhQLvIl

Apr 30, 2024 · 3 likes · 14,933 followers View post →
AC
@Karni_25 · X

@calotonterias @FatherMcKenzieT Cada vez dipomemos de mas evidencia en cuato a la nula diferencia que existe en la adquisición de fuerza independientemente del material utilizado.(sigo) https://t.co/DDV4GOTPvH https://t.co/4DKirrBJri

Jan 30, 2024 · 222 followers View post →
Fábio Dominski
@fabiodominski · X

2. Você pode utilizar pouco ou muito peso se objetivar hipertrofia, ou seja, poucas ou muitas repetições. Assim como máquinas ou pesos livres. https://t.co/nih3HN1nTe https://t.co/I4A5UNVayQ

Aug 21, 2023 · 1 like · 312 followers View post →
Rafa Lund
@RafaLund · X

2 - https://t.co/ZOGlGAmy4N Indivíduos que desejam aumentar a força geral e a massa muscular para manter a saúde podem escolher qualquer atividade que prefiram e tenham maior probabilidade de aderir.

Jun 23, 2023 · 1 like · 540 followers View post →
パーカーフィットネス
@parker_fitness · X

フリーウエイトはマシンよりも多くの筋肉を鍛える? メタ分析にも証明されているように、実はその理屈は科学的な信頼性は非常に薄い ベンチプレスで腹筋が疲れる? フリーウエイトの不安定理論はバランスボールに乗れば腹筋が割れるといっているようなもの https://t.co/oEK25YZqrk

May 26, 2023 · 5 likes · 787 followers View post →
Mike Hart, M.D
@drmikehart · X

Contrary to popular belief, you can build as much muscle with machines as you can with free weights. https://t.co/koCGeZ6D2v

May 15, 2023 · 12 likes · 66,573 followers View post →
Coach Raheem كابتن رحيم
@RaheemFitness_ · X

RT @Amqfit: لا يوجد أفضلية للأوزان الحرة على الاجهزة إذا كان هدفك زيادة القوة العامة وكتلة العضلات والصحة بشكل عام الخيار اللي تفضله وتلتز…

Jan 8, 2023 · 3 shares · 1,242 followers View post →
Ahmedrazaqi506@gmail.com
@ahmedrazaqi506 · X

RT @Amqfit: لا يوجد أفضلية للأوزان الحرة على الاجهزة إذا كان هدفك زيادة القوة العامة وكتلة العضلات والصحة بشكل عام الخيار اللي تفضله وتلتز…

Jan 7, 2023 · 3 shares · 62 followers View post →
Ali Alqarni | علي القرني
@Amqfit · X

لا يوجد أفضلية للأوزان الحرة على الاجهزة إذا كان هدفك زيادة القوة العامة وكتلة العضلات والصحة بشكل عام الخيار اللي تفضله وتلتزم فيه هو الافضل لك إلا إذا كانت الرياضة اللي تمارسها تعتمد بشكل اساسي على الاوزان الحرة مثل البورلفتنق https://t.co/rP3wn7n5G2

Jan 7, 2023 · 31 likes · 3 shares · 34,509 followers View post →
Dr Alistair Mallard
@DrAlMallard · X

RT @Strength_Init: Should I train using free weights or machine weights to increase #muscle size, #strength and #power? Heidel and colleagu…

Jun 15, 2022 · 1 share · 112 followers View post →
The Strength Initiative
@Strength_Init · X

Should I train using free weights or machine weights to increase #muscle size, #strength and #power? Heidel and colleagues found that those aiming to increase #strength and #power should consider the #specificity of the #exercise for their purpose https://t.co/1WElIHGwuN

Jun 15, 2022 · 5 likes · 1 share · 59 followers View post →
Jacobo Andrés
@MovementCorpus · X

Machines VS free weihgt https://t.co/wfnCUTn3Rx

May 9, 2022 · 542 followers View post →
Raul
@RaulM06 · X

RT @hypertrophyhome: Arnold squatting on a smith machine, haha. Seriously though, the current literature shows machines (including smith m…

Apr 5, 2022 · 3 shares · 849 followers View post →
ProfCarlosCastro
@CarlosC28334936 · X

RT @hypertrophyhome: Arnold squatting on a smith machine, haha. Seriously though, the current literature shows machines (including smith m…

Apr 5, 2022 · 3 shares · 11 followers View post →
House of Hypertrophy
@hypertrophyhome · X

Arnold squatting on a smith machine, haha. Seriously though, the current literature shows machines (including smith machines) are no less effective than free weights for hypertrophy: https://t.co/tkWY8KgSTs https://t.co/KhfU6OEMGp

Apr 5, 2022 · 16 likes · 3 shares · 3,580 followers View post →
銀太aka心滴剣聴
@sintekikencyou0 · X

RT @Higa_Kazuo: フリーウェイトでもマシントレーニングでも、しっかり頑張れば筋肥大、筋力ともに効果は変わらない。 というメタ解析論文。 「しっかり頑張る」という大切な気持ちがすべて。 https://t.co/ah7VbMiwTf

Mar 15, 2022 · 1 share · 103 followers View post →
比嘉一雄/筋肉まわりの全て/ヒガトレ®︎/AI 筋トレマシン Higatrec®
@Higa_Kazuo · X

フリーウェイトでもマシントレーニングでも、しっかり頑張れば筋肥大、筋力ともに効果は変わらない。 というメタ解析論文。 「しっかり頑張る」という大切な気持ちがすべて。 https://t.co/ah7VbMiwTf

Mar 14, 2022 · 2 likes · 1 share · 1,649 followers View post →
歌島大輔@日本一の整形外科医YouTube(22万人)
@pedro0507 · X

マシンとフリーウェイトエクササイズ:筋肉の大きさ、強さ、パワーの変化を比較したシステマティックレビューとメタアナリシス Machines and free weight exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing changes in muscle size, strength, and power https://t.co/kj5tzEC5w6

Jan 3, 2022 · 10,288 followers View post →
Alexander Oiarbide
@alexoiar · X

Nov 23, 2021 · 1 like · 765 followers View post →
RAHAF
@irahafalmatrook · X

للاستزادة: https://t.co/oSkf0m4N35

Oct 26, 2021 · 1 like · 2,932 followers View post →