When you think of weight machines, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s clunky gym equipment that feels like it belongs in a beginner’s corner or a rehab clinic. But that ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Exercise machines can be an efficient way for fitness beginners to build strength and muscle. Machines may be safer and easier to ...

A few days ago, I walked into a new gym that opened down the street from my house. The place is quite nice, but it has a very small free weight area, which initially discouraged me–until I toured the ...

Which makes for a better workout: weight machines or free weights? I've heard advocacy for both from reputable health experts. - Sarah, Portland Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages; ...

Before I began coaching, I used weight machines all the time. I didn't know how to properly use free weights and felt very insecure in the weight room. Machines provided a simple solution to help me ...

Let's get one thing out of the way right now: There's not going to be any "one method is better 100 percent of the time" here. Both free weights and resistance machines can help you build strength, ...

It was bad enough that my gym stopped showing movies on the giant screens facing the cardio machines. Now, instead of being transported from our ellipticals to outer space or Victorian England, we're ...

As an impatient, time-poor mum of three, choosing between free weights vs machines can make or break my workout. More often than not, I stick to free weights at home as I don't want to run the risk of ...

Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. If you want to get ...