Funny I’m the opposite I have no idea how to work those crazy machines and am too intimidated to poke around figuring out how to work them and how to properly do exercises on them! Imo the free weights are a lot simpler you just have to pick them up and do something.

I was really intimidated by them too, so I started doing Crossfit where they trained me in the movements and there is a coach walking around during the workouts. I know there is a lot of Crossfit hate, but it helped me so much.

I'm still a beginner, so I barely add any weight to the bar, but just doing the movements, like deadlifts and back squats, I can feel it in my whole body. The machines never felt like that and I can tell I'm getting stronger faster.

Here’s a long, detailed explanation of the history and (most importantly, economics) of weight machines and the problems with trying to get stronger using them. It’s by the author of Starting Strength, a seminal book on weight training.

https://startingstrength.com/article/barbells-machines-everything-else

On a personal note, I’m a 55 year old guy who has been lifting for 40 years. I’ve never really seen anyone stronger than what I’d call the “beginner” category who doesn’t primarily lift with barbells.

On the other hand, the best exercise is one that you will do. If you want to get started with machines, go for it.

I assume you are working out in a gym. machines are fine the secondary work your muscles get is not going to make a difference. for example, squats, your not going to get enough work on your abs by engaging your core to not have to do ab work as well.

Machines provide more isolation to the group you want to work with variable resistance. free weights don't provide that, gravity brings the weight straight down while a machine is designed with a cam to provide the variable resistance while providing resistance at the proper angle.

Where do you have access to machines? You can get barbells for much less money than a machine. What I like about the barbells is I get an even workout. Instead of doing bicep curls at 20 pounds on a machine, I have 10 pounds in each hand with barbells.

Machines should always be used as a supplement only. I mean, if you're a beginner, you can use machines to get a baseline of fitness so that you don't get extremely sore when you start free weights.

You work many more smaller muscles and stabilizer muscles using free weights. Don't be intimidated. There's no reason to be. You don't even have to start with weights in the barbell but can use the bar only just so you can get the movements down right.

I agree with 15:36

Also you would likely benefit from hiring a trainer for a couple of months to get you comfortable with free weights, and to not feel intimidated. The benefits of using free weights is that you're using multiple muscle groups during one singular exercise - because you're not getting the assistance of a machine.

Now if you don't want to ever use free weights, that's okay too. you're doing great things for your body even if you just use the machines - but just make sure you're challenging yourself by increasing the resistance to a point where you can't do more than 8-10 reps.

You can but you will get more benefit from free weights like dumbells and a barbells. When you use machines, for example a leg press, sure you work your legs/quads, but when you do a barbell squat you are also working your core and other stabilizer muscles.

If you are doing other functional training you may be fine because you are working more muscles at once.

I would like to lift heavy, but I'm intimidated by using barbells. Can I get an effective strength workout using machines?
I'm also doing various forms of functional strength training including kettlebells and reformer pilates.