So I don't touch free weights much because i never have a spotter so I would have to stay so light with it or cut the set much shorter.. if I had a spot would I do more free weights? Absolutely. At the same time though, my entire right side is under developed due to not using my right arm for almost an entire year in 2004 and I know that when I'm on these independent machines 1 side is not doing the work for the other so it's another benefit but I do know I would also benefit from more free weights.