Weight training machines are often given the cold shoulder by veteran exercisers who claim to know their way around the weight room. They argue that free weights (defined as any weight that can be ...

The final results of their five-year research project, published this month in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, suggest that free weights and machines work equally well.

Two fitness experts break down the pros and cons of free weights vs machines. Read on to find out which one fits better into your strength training routine.

In doing so, I was wondering whether I should be focusing more on using machines or if I should spend more time lifting free weights, barbells and dumbbells. I don’t play any sports, but I am ...

Q: The free weights at my gym are always busy, can I get just as effective a workout using machines? D espite most ...

Free weights also mirror real-life movements. “Functional exercises allow you to create more body awareness and help you ...

Deciding between free weights and machine weights depends on various factors, including your fitness level, goals, and personal preferences. To make the most of your workout routine, consider ...

Anyone who regularly works out in a busy gym, your answer to the free weights vs machines question is probably just “whichever is available first”.. And that’s fair, but if you’re able to take a ...

Choose free weights that are heavy enough to make 12-15 repetitions challenging. If you can’t reach 12-15 repetitions, your weight may be too difficult. If you can easily go past 12-15 ...

Divided into two groups, machines vs. free weights, the men trained three times a week for eight weeks following a routine that was identical in terms of intensity, frequency, number of sets ...

Don’t be afraid to mix and match in one workout, either. You can use free weights at the start when you’re fresh and move to the machines when you’re fatigued or want to work smaller muscle ...