What's More Effective, Machines Or Free Weights?

February 5, 2009 -- Question: What's more effective, machines or free weights?

Answer: Alicia, either free weights or machine weights can be effective for strength training. Some people like the speed and the ease of machine weights, and others like the fact that free weights-you're a little bit more challenged, and there's a little bit more of a balance component to it; you're using more muscle groups. However each can be used for strength training and both are effective. So pick the one that you enjoy the most and the one that you can be the most consistent with.