Cable Machine Versus Weights

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From my personal experience and observation on other body builders, I find that the ancient method for body building which involves lifting weights (basically dumbells, barbells and body weight) is more effective than the more recent cable machine that is now predominant. I find cables to be less effective than barbells or dumbbells although they also have their benefits. 

So what are the benefits of weights (I.e Dumbbells and barbells) over cables?
  1. Weights get you ripped up faster than cables; which only get you pumped but take longer time to give you the desired ‘cuts’ you want. However, one factor that should be considered is the total weight in kilograms being lifted, as light weights get the body ripped over time before heavier weights which tend to only increase muscle mass. 
  2. Secondly, barbells, dumbells and even bars are affordable when compared to cable machines. You can easily build a personal gym out of these. 
  3. Weights are portable which means they would fit into a small room unlike cable machines. They can also be moved around in same room without having to call in too many hands or dismantling the equipment as seen in cable machines. 

Cables on the other hand have some advantages over weights (Dumbbells and barbells):
  1. Since cables take longer time to get you ripped or pumped up, there's limited risk to developing stretch marks while working with cables. 
  2. Cables give you an opportunity to gradually improve strength since you can change the weights in units of 1kg which is rarely found with barbells and the likes. 
  3. Cables are ideal for beginners too since the margin for error is reduced considering you are working with machines and not just weights.
I would pick my barbell and dumbbell over the cable machine. To me it's a last resort at the gym if the barbells and Dumbbells are all in use. 

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