When working out at a gym or fitness club, gym machines can be an excellent time saving and safer choice over free weights, dumbbells and barbells.

The controlled movement of the gym machine makes the risk of injury much lower. Especially as a beginner, using gym machines can be a good jumping off point. Down the line you should also incorporate free weights to further develop your muscles, but as a novice, gym machines can be great.

When starting out it is important to find your starting points and make note. I find it important to workout with a pocket sized notebook to keep track of how many reps you are doing at which weight. There are also apps for iphones and other smart phones that can keep track of your progress and even make graphs or charts to show how you have improved.

Once you have your starting weights for your machines and you are keeping track, you will be able to see which machines you should start adding more weight to. Staying at the same weight may help to keep you toned, but if you are looking for bigger results with more muscle building, you have to add more weight little by little and push a bit harder to complete those extra reps.

Once you have got the hang of your gym machines, its time to start thinking about adding exercises to your gym workout that also include free weights and dumbbells. Good gym workouts include a variety of exercises so that your muscles don’t get too complacent. Keeping your body surprised will help get better results.

Another option, which I also uses, is to use your gym for the machines which are impractical to have at home, and then lift free weights at home. There are tons of great adjustable dumbbells out there that can help you to perform a variety of exercises at home. On those days I don’t feel like going to the gym, I can still get a good workout at home while watching my favorite TV shows.

For more information, check out: Upper Body Gym Machines Guide and Lower Body Gym Machine Guide