Why are dumbbells better than machines for accesory exercises?

[AD1985]

I do flat bench every other workout at was considering adding another press to target my upper chest. Two options were the incline dumbell and incline machine press (hammer strength). I've tried both and feel that the machine hits the chest better. Also I can use more weight since the stabilizers are taken out of the movement.

For accessory exercises this seems to be a good thing, yet I always hear people recommending dumbells over the machines for targeting muscles. Why?

[AD1985]

Bump... Machine haters this is your chance to get even!

[KMan81]

Personally I love incline DB presses, they get an excellent stretch, help improve imbalance issuues and give a good overall pump.

With that said, you are absolutely right, some machines isolate the intended muscle group quite well. From a muscle sculpting standpoint they are a useful tool. From an overall strength building standpoint they are not fully on par with freeweights.

[mightymouse37]

Free weights also work the stabilizers, and also tend to allow for a wider ROM, plus more room for varying the exercise. Nothing wrong with machines, as long as you don't rely on them as the majority of your workout...