That should say Weight Machines up there...

Which do you prefer and why?

I train with a pt a couple of days a week. She has me use free weights and body weight when we train. About a year ago I bought a groupon for some sessions with a pt and

she is a hard core body builder. She has huge muscles all over. I train with her once a week.. I also work out on my own 2 or 3 days a week. Now, when I train with the body builder she has me using a lot of machines. We also do squats and romanians with the bar and weights. When I work out on my own at home I use free weights.

My favorite kind of working out is the kind I do with my regular trainer which is more functional training. I feel like this has made a big difference in everything that I do, the way I move and the way I feel. I do enjoy the weekly work out with the body builder because I love lifting heavy weights and it makes me feel strong and powerful even though I don't have the desire to look like my trainer.

I am wondering what the difference is between using heavy free weights and using machines and which is better or is it just a preference?

You will get the best results from free weights. They force you to use your muscles equally. They also help to increase your balance. Plus free weights maintain resistance through the entire range of motion.

There are some exercises that it really doesn't make much of a difference.

I'm actually a certified personal trainer. It is a personal choice. But also a machine can target muscles free weights can't and same goes for using free weights. Also using free weights also use more of your corr and abdominal muscles.

I am a personal trainer, yes even we have weight issues . In my opinion, it depends on the machines. I prefer plate weighted machines as you have more control. The hydraulic type tend to get away from you and do some of the work for you. I also enjoy my free weights, I believe a combination as you are doing is the best of both worlds.

I mostly workout alone so machines seem safer with heavier weights. IMO both have effective uses depends on your goals. But if you have a trainer (lucky) stick with your plan!

I use probably 90% free weights or my own body weight. But a lot of it depends on your goals. If you are into other athletic activities that require functional strength (crossfit, sprinting or track & field events, or other sports), I feel that the free weights are usually your best choice. The better compound lifts use free weights and make you use supporting muscles for balance. But for just pure bodybuilding/physique, yeah, you could build up and add mass to many of your muscles on machines, but probably not all of your muscles. "Vsginnj" makes a good point about the safety that many machines provide as well.

Nothing beats gravity. Whether it's your body weight or free weights. Also consider some isometric exercises too. They are highly under utilized in many people's workout routines.

For those without access to a spotter or training partner (such as myself)....Dumbbells, kettlebells, power racks/cages, and isometrics are your best friends.