Free weights are better than weight machines for strength training because they allow for more variations in exercises, promote quicker strength gains, and require using stabilizer muscles. While weight machines isolate specific muscle groups, free weights involve more muscles and joints through their unrestricted range of motion. A few dumbbells can provide a complete strength routine with more benefits than weight machines.

1. Are free weights better than working on weight training machines? Photo credited: http://www.type2pregnancy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/working-out.jpg Photo credit: http://www.buildingbodymuscles.com/images/products/Marcy-Diamond-MD-3500-150-Pound-Single-Stack-Home-Gym.jpg

2. Photo credit: http://verydemotivational.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/demotivational-posters-yes.jpg

3. Research has shown that free weights promote quicker strength gains They allow for more variations in range of motion Photo credit: http://healthyonlineworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/webmd_photo_of_chest_press_free_weights.jpg

5. Free Weights Vs. Machines A look at the pros and cons of each By Elizabeth Quinn , About.com Guide Updated January 24, 2006 About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board Photo credit: http://www.wilsonsd.org/southernjh/lib/southernjh/Clip%20Art/i_want_you.gif