I love free weights... ok.. love... such a strong word..

From the December Oxygen online.. this is a great question and a great answer.  I'm a fan of free weights,  but there are some machines I like... but I love having this information stuck in my head:

Question of the Month:

I was wondering how the weight compares when a person lifts dumbbells versus a weighted bar/barbell/pulleys. For example, if a person lifts a 25-pound dumbbell in each hand, is that the same as lifting a 50-pound barbell or pulling a 50-pound pulley with both hands at the same time? I use all three types of weights when working out and it seems to me that a 50-pound bar lifted with both hands is heavier than two 25-pound dumbbells.

Expert’s Response

The debate over free weights and machines is a long one, and the fact that you alternate is excellent, as they both have their advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of free weights is their versatility, adaptability and the fact that more muscle groups are generally required to lift free weights, as these exercises require coordination, balance and core stabilization. Theoretically, the 50-pound bar is not any heavier than two 25-pound dumbbells, however, you may recruit your core stabilization muscles better with the free weights than when using a cable.