Free weights are not supported by any type of machinery, so they tax the body's musculature more when used. The movement of free weights is constrained by the lifter, so more stabilization and natural coordination of the various muscle groups are needed to lift them.
Free weights do not just work out the main muscles or “prime movers” but the smaller, supporting stabilizer and synergist muscles as well. These smaller supporting muscles help in balancing, so they burn more calories. Their weight is limited by the “sticking points” to evenly distribute their range of motion to more muscles and not just one.
Free weights are considered to be the more advanced forms of weights (compared to machine weights). They are preferred by more experienced lifters.
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